Eye Discharge – Is It Dangerous?

Normally, in adults the mucous membrane produces a mucous film that covers the ocular surface and acts as a barrier to protect the eye from the outside world. But and a little whitish eye discharge in the morning (after sleeping) should not be the cause of anxiety and concern. But with bacterial infections, the picture changes: the puss becomes more abundant, its color may change from white to yellow, the eyelids become red and fester. In this case, it is necessary to identify the cause of the purulent discharge and make sure you consult an eye doctor.

The Diseases Which Cause Purulent Eye Discharge:

• Conjunctivitis. Eye inflammation can be caused by bacteria, viruses or be of allergic nature. Eye discharge can be very plentiful. With bacterial conjunctivitis, the discharge coming from one or both eyes can be very thick, yellow-green and cause very strong adhesion of the upper and lower eyelids. With allergic inflammation, the eye discharge is more watery, pale yellow.
• Besides conjunctivitis, an individual may have other eye diseases which can cause the purulent discharge. They include ocular herpes, fungal keratitis.
• Corneal ulcer also causes active suppuration. It is usually the result of an eye injury left untreated and can lead to complete blindness.
• Dacryocystitis (inflammation of the lacrimal sac) causes swelling and redness in the inner corner of the eye. When pressing over the area of the lacrimal sac, abundant yellow discharge releases from the sac.
• With blepharitis (acute or chronic inflammation of the eyelids), the eyelids are swollen and itchy, the eyes fester – usually in the morning. The discharge from the eyes is foamy, yellow-green.
• A sty or chalazion. It may be accompanied by profuse purulent discharge. In this case, the affected eyelid becomes swollen and red.
• Dry eye syndrome. Symptoms of dry eyes include bloodshot eyes, a burning sensation, blurry vision and a foreign body sensation. Very often people with this syndrome complain of festering eyes in the morning, after their sleep, but this is not pus, but accumulated mucous discharge.

A Little Mucous Eye Discharge Is Harmless

However, if you noticed changes in the color and amount, your eyes have become reddened and very itchy, you should immediately contact your eye doctor. If your eyes fester due to infection, the doctor will prescribe you a treatment: either antibacterial or antiviral drugs. In case of allergies, antihistamine eye drops or special ointments are prescribed to relieve the symptoms.
When the secretions are very sticky, then before making a compress it is necessary to soak a clean washcloth in warm water and lay it on your eyelids in order to soften the mucus and remove all the crusts from your eyes.

But in any case, only a qualified ophthalmologist can make the correct diagnosis and prescribe an adequate treatment. Therefore, when any problems of this kind occur, you should immediately consult your eye specialist and never self-medicate without seeking medical advice first.