It is normal to have a small amount of eye discharge upon waking in the morning. However, if the secretion increases abnormally or even prevents the eyes from opening, it may signal an eye condition. Eye discharge is actually a mixture of meibomian gland oils, dust, and tear film debris that continues to accumulate during sleep.
A Sudden Increase in Eye Discharge May Signal 4 Diseases to Watch Out For (Image provided by Heho Health)
Excessive eye discharge is often associated with 4 conditions:
- Conjunctivitis (commonly known as pink eye, with stringy discharge)
- Blepharitis (related to irritants such as cosmetics or contact lenses)
- Dry eye syndrome (tear deficiency causing sensitivity and increased discharge)
- Dacryocystitis (commonly seen in infants and the elderly, caused by blocked tear drainage leading to infection)
Eye discharge is conjunctival secretion produced by the eyes. (Image provided by Heho Health)
Prevention methods include: avoiding rubbing the eyes, staying hydrated, reducing spicy food intake, maintaining hand hygiene, and moderating eye use. If inflammation increases discharge, seek medical treatment promptly to avoid worsening the condition.
A sudden increase in eye discharge is no small matter!
