Why eye discharge appears and what to do about it
Miscellaneous / / February 22, 2022
Sometimes it's really dangerous.
When to see a doctor
Schedule a visit to a therapist or immediately to an optometrist, ifWhat Is Sleep Crust? / American Academy of Ophthalmology:
- there is a lot of discharge from the eyes and they have a pronounced greenish-yellow or white color;
- you washed away everything superfluous, but the discharge appears again and again - and there are so many of them that it can be difficult for you to open your eyes;
- vision became blurry;
- sensitivity to light has appeared: it hurts you to look at it;
- the eye, on which there is discharge, is very reddened or edema;
- you feel pain in your eyes.
Any of these signs could be a symptom of a serious infection.
Why eye discharge appears and what to do about it
With discharge from the eyes can beDischarge From Eye / American Academy of Ophthalmology and more innocuous reasons.
1. This is normal eye mucus.
The most famous secretions are ordinary mucus produced by conjunctivaThis is a thin transparent tissue that covers the outside of the eye and the back of the eyelids. It is she who produces the mucous and liquid part of tears.
. Together with her in the corners of the eyes, and sometimes along the lash line mayWhat Is Sleep Crust? / American Academy of Ophthalmology accumulate and solidify fat, dead skin cells and dust. This cocktail is constantly formed on the surface of the eyes, but during the day, when we actively blink, tear fluid washes it away without a trace. At night, tears are produced less and we blink much less frequently.What to do
Mucus that appears after sleeping looks unpleasant, but it is completely safe and can be easily removed by simply washing with warm water.
2. Reaction to contact lenses
For some people, contact lenses - even if they are worn strictly according to the instructions - may causeAdverse Effects of Contact Lenses / National Research Council (US) Working Group on Contact Lens Use Under Adverse Conditions irritation or inflammation of the eyes. The risk is increased if you forget to remove your lenses before bed.
What to do
Don't go to bed with contact lenses on. If for some reason this is not possible, ask the optometrist to choose a gas-permeable option suitable for night wear. Another option is to try disposable contact lenses.
If you use lenses strictly according to the instructions, and there is more discharge from the eyes, also contact an optometrist as soon as possible. This is to rule out an eye infection or other disease.
2. Chronic dry eye
There are many reasons why the mucous membrane of the eyes can dry up. For example, this happens if you do not tear yourself away from gadgets for a long time or are in a room with low air humidity.
Howbeit, drynessWhat Is Dry Eye? Symptoms, Causes and Treatment / American Academy of Ophthalmology leads to the fact that the tear fluid becomes small and it does not have time to wash out the accumulated dust, fat, dead skin cells from the eyes. Therefore, the number of allocations increases.
What to do
Pay attention to the symptoms. When the mucosa dries out, they are obvious: fatigue, burning, the appearance of broken capillaries, blurred vision, a regular feeling that something has got into the eye. If there are such signs, consult with an ophthalmologist how you can restore healthy moisture to your eyes.
Your doctor will most likely advise you to use over-the-counter artificial tear eye drops as a first aid. But other appointments may be required.
3. Injury or damage to the eye
Any foreign substance, from an occasional sharp speck of dust to cosmetics and perfumes, if it gets into the eyes, can damage their mucous membrane. Lachrymation and profuse discharge is one of the most striking signsDiagnosis and Management of Red Eye in Primary Care / American Family Phisicianthat the eye is injured.
What to do
If the damage doesn't look significant (let's say you accidentally splashed deodorant on your face), try rinsing your eye with clear, warm water.
However, if you notice bleeding or pus after an injury, contact your optometrist immediately.
4. allergic conjunctivitis
This is the name of the reaction of the conjunctiva to allergen substances - plant pollen, pet dander, house dust. Recognize allergic conjunctivitis canConjunctivitis: What Is Pink Eye? / American Academy of Ophthalmology watery, reddened, swollen and itchy eyes. Sometimes discharges are added to these signs.
What to do
Allergic conjunctivitis is treated in the same way as allergic reactions in general, by taking antihistamines. For the eyes, such funds are available in the form of drops. Ideally, if a doctor helps you choose them.
5. Conjunctivitis
The conjunctiva becomes inflamed not only because of allergies. The cause of redness, itching, cramps, pain and other manifestations conjunctivitis there may be viral and bacterial infections, as well as irritants that have entered the eye.
What to do
Be sure to contact an ophthalmologist. Left untreated, the infection can spread and cause more serious eye damage. The doctor will make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the necessary medications. For example, prescription eye drops.
6. Blepharitis
So calledBlepharitis/NHS inflammation of the edge of the eyelids. Blepharitis causes swelling, pain, peeling around the roots of the eyelashes, and increased secretion of sebum around the follicles.
Sometimes the discharge is so abundant that the eyelashes stick together and the person cannot open his eyes.
What to do
Soak a cotton pad or gauze in warm clean water and apply to the eye for 10 minutes. Then, using a disc, gently massage the secretions.
If blepharitis persists, and even more so if additional symptoms occur, such as pain in the eyes and watery eyes, consult an ophthalmologist. The doctor will select the most suitable treatment for you. May recommend antibiotic creams or drops.
7. Keratitis
KeratitisKeratitis / Johns Hopkins Medicine is an inflammation of the cornea. It can be caused by various causes: a bacterial or herpes infection, a fungus, an amoeba, or, for example, a UV burn if you forgot to put on your sunglasses in a hot and clear summer noon.
Symptoms of keratitis are similar to signs of conjunctivitis or mechanical damage: the eye turns red, watery, sore, vision may decrease.
What to do
If left untreated, keratitis can lead to corneal scarring and temporary or even permanent loss of vision. Therefore, contact an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.
The doctor will clarify the diagnosis and prescribe treatment. In mild cases, if keratitis is not caused by an infection, you can get by with drops like “artificial tear”. In the case of infectious inflammation, you will need antiviral, antifungal agents or antibiotics, depending on the cause of the infection.
8. Trachoma
Trachoma is a bacterial eye infection that causesWhat Is Trachoma? / American Academy of Ophthalmology specific bacterium: Chlamydia trachomatis. In the early stages, trachoma resembles the symptoms of conjunctivitis: the eyes swell, itch, and discharge may appear on them.
As the disease progresses, pain and blurred vision appear. Scars form inside the eyelid, and this leads to the fact that the eyelashes seem to be wrapped inside the eye. This condition is called trichiasis and is one of the most characteristic signs of trachoma.
What to do
Trachoma is the leading cause of infectious blindness in the world. Therefore, at the slightest suspicion of an infection, you should contact an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.
9. Barley
Barley - this is inflammation that can appear on the outer or inner side of the eyelid. In the first case, it is caused by infection of the eyelash follicle (the sac from which it grows). In the second - a blockage of the meibomian gland, which is located on the inside of the eyelid and secretes a secret that protects the mucous membrane from drying out.
Styes usually look like a dense rounded pimple on the edge of the eyelid. The eye may become red, sore and increase the amount of discharge.
What to do
Most often barley passesSty / Mayo Clinic by itself in 7-10 days. Compresses can be used to speed up and facilitate its maturation and removal. Soak a cotton pad or piece of gauze in warm water and place on the affected eye. Change the compress to a new warm one as it cools down.
Be sure to consult a general practitioner or ophthalmologist if, after a week and a half, barley does not disappear and does not decrease in size. In this case, you may be prescribed antibiotics: in the form of eye drops or a special cream. The doctor may also make a tiny incision in the barley to drain the pus. In no case do not try to do this operation yourself: this often leads to the fact that the infection spreads to the entire eye.
10. Dacryocystitis
Dacryocystitis is conditionDacryocystitis / MSD Manualwhen a blocked tear sac becomes infected and inflamed. The result usually looks like a swollen, reddened bump under the lower eyelid on the inside of the eye.
Tearing, eye pain, sticky discharge, blurry vision are all associated symptoms of dacryocystitis.
What to do
Often everything goes away on its own. To speed up and facilitate this process, you can apply a warm compress to the inflammation for 10-15 minutes. For example, gauze soaked in warm water.
However, dacryocystitis can have dangerous complications, up to the spread of infection to the brain. Therefore, it is best to contact an optometrist as soon as possible.
The doctor will examine the eye, ask you about the symptoms, clarify the diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment. These are usually antibiotics in the form of ointments or tablets, as well as over-the-counter pain relievers that help reduce discomfort.
11. Corneal ulcer
Ulcer corneaWhat Is a Corneal Ulcer (Keratitis)? / American Academy of Ophthalmology is an infection that causes an open sore on the cornea. Associated symptoms: pain, tearing, sensitivity to light, difficulty opening the eye, profuse sticky discharge.
What to do
Contact an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. The cornea must be treated, otherwise the ulcers may spread over its entire surface or penetrate deeper. Usually treated with antibiotics.
12. Endofalmite
EndofalmiteWhat is Endophthalmitis? / American Academy of Ophthalmology is an infection of the tissues or fluids inside the eyeball.
Most often, bacteria or fungi enter the eye after a poorly performed operation, an injection into the eye, or an injury. But sometimes endofalmitis is a complication of an infectious process in another part of the body. For example, this can happen with a urinary tract infection or blood poisoning.
This condition has very vivid symptoms: increasing pain in the eyes, distinct redness and swelling, a sharp decrease or loss of vision. And white or yellow (purulent) discharge from the eyes.
What to do
Endofalmitis is a medical emergency. If you do not quickly stop the inflammation, you can be left without vision. Therefore, if you suspect such an infection, you should immediately go to the emergency room or to an ophthalmologist.
13. Shingles
He is the encircling herpesWhat Is Shingles (Herpes Zoster)? / American Academy of Ophthalmology (lat. herpes zoster). This disease, as a rule, is a complication of a long-term chickenpox.
Usually shingles is a painful red rash that most often appears in the lower back - hence the name of the disease. But if the herpes virus has affected the optic nerves, a painful rash can also appear in the eye area - mainly on the upper and lower eyelids. Among other things, herpes causes swelling of the eyes, decreased vision and the appearance of discharge.
What to do
Shingles must be treated urgently - otherwise it will maybeShingles (Herpes Zoster) Symptoms / American Academy of Ophthalmology lead to corneal scarring, glaucoma, or cataract. Therefore, you need to see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible: the doctor will assess the degree of eye damage and prescribe the most effective treatment.
14. covid
In some cases, coronavirus infection affects the eyes and can cause symptomsIs It COVID‑19 or Allergies? / American Academy of Ophthalmologysimilar to signs of allergic conjunctivitis.
To distinguish between these states, check with your well-being. If signs of conjunctivitis arose against the background of high fever, cough, severe weakness and other manifestations of covid, it is most likely that the inflammation of the eyes has a coronavirus nature.
What to do
To alleviateGet Rid of Pink Eye Fast With These Home Remedies / American Academy of Ophthalmology condition, apply compresses to the eyes. For example, a clean cotton sponge soaked in warm water. You can also apply a cool, damp towel to your eyes.
It is acceptable to take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and to put antihistamines or artificial tears in your eyes.
If signs of conjunctivitis persist, consult a physician or ophthalmologist. With confirmed covid - by phone.
What to do so that the selection does not appear
Surely protect yourself from infections and injuries will not work. But you can reduce the risks.
- Wash your hands regularly. Often we unconsciously touch our eyes, so it is more than possible to bring an infection from dirty hands.
- Watch your movements and try not to touch your face and especially your eyes with your hands.
- If you spend a lot of time in front of the computer or just feel dry eyes, use artificial tear drops.
- Carefully remove morning secretions. It is best to do this with a cotton pad or gauze dipped in warm water.
- If you wear contact lenses, take good care of your eyes. At the first hint of discomfort or discharge, consult an ophthalmologist.
- If you have had an eye infection before, discard the eye makeup you were wearing during that period. Buy a new one.
- Avoid allergens whenever possible. For example, do not go outside during the flowering period of those plants whose pollen you are allergic to.
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