SYMPTOMS

What is excessive eye discharge?

First, let's talk about what eye discharge is. Eye discharge consists of solid residues left after tears flow into the tear ducts at the inner corners of the eyes.

Under normal circumstances, such as during the day, we blink continuously, and the tears secreted by the lacrimal glands quickly moisten the entire surface of the eyeball. Excess tears are drained through the tear ducts, and at this time, noticeable eye discharge is rarely produced.

At night while sleeping, with the eyes closed, the flow of tears slows down. Nutrients in the tears, such as proteins and fats, as well as dust and other substances the eyes encounter during the day, accumulate for an extended period in the gaps between the inner and outer corners of the eyes and the upper and lower eyelids. After the water in the tears evaporates, eye discharge remains.

Normal eye discharge is not excessive and is usually granular and pale yellow-white. If there is a significant increase, especially a sudden increase, or if it is accompanied by pus-like, mucus-like, or bloody secretions, it is important to seek medical attention promptly.

TREATMENT

How to Relieve Excessive Eye Discharge?

• Maintain eye hygiene. Avoid picking eye discharge with fingers. Instead, use a cotton swab dipped in warm water to gently wipe it away. Contact lens wearers should pay extra attention to hygiene, and those with sensitive eyes should avoid forcing themselves to wear lenses.

• Balance work and rest. Avoid prolonged, intense eye strain. Blink frequently to reduce tear evaporation. Eye drops like methylcellulose or artificial tears can help keep eyes moist. Avoid drops containing ingredients like borneol or menthol, as they may provide temporary relief but worsen the condition.

• If inflammation occurs, consult a doctor for antibiotic eye drops.

• For narrowed or blocked tear ducts, perform lacrimal sac massage under medical guidance or undergo procedures like tear duct irrigation or probing in a hospital.

• For infants, massage is simple: Press the inner eye area with a finger, gently squeeze toward the eyeball to expel pus, wipe it clean with a cotton swab, and apply antibiotic eye drops if needed.

DIAGNOSIS

Under what circumstances should patients with excessive eye discharge seek medical attention?

Not all cases of excessive eye discharge indicate a problem, as some people naturally produce more eye discharge. You should only visit a hospital under the following circumstances:

• If eye discharge suddenly increases significantly in a short period, even to the point of sticking eyelashes or eyelids together, making it difficult to open the eyes;

• If the color or texture of the eye discharge differs from usual, such as turning into pus-like, sticky, or bloody discharge;

• If excessive eye discharge is accompanied by other eye discomforts, such as itching, pain, dryness, excessive tearing without crying, or swelling;

• If excessive eye discharge is accompanied by other systemic symptoms, such as fever or coughing.

POTENTIAL DISEASES

What are the possible causes of excessive eye discharge?

Excessive eye discharge is a symptom that can have many causes:

• Excessive eye discharge doesn't necessarily indicate illness. Sometimes lack of sleep or eye strain can also lead to increased secretions.

• Conjunctivitis: Common in both adults and children. Since the eyes are directly exposed to the external environment, unhygienic substances or irritants like bacteria and viruses can enter the eyes, causing acute inflammation. This results in a large amount of dead cell tissue forming eye discharge.

• Narrowed or blocked tear ducts: Mainly due to obstructed nasolacrimal ducts, which impede tear flow. Tears stagnate in the lacrimal sac, allowing bacteria to grow and cause infection. Pressing the lacrimal sac area with a finger may release purulent or mucous discharge from the tear duct.

• In infants, it may be caused by congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

• In adults, the most common causes are chronic dacryocystitis leading to tear duct narrowing or trauma.