Each morning, many people notice a yellowish crust forming around their eyelashes or in the corners of their eyes. Commonly called “eye boogers” or “eye gunk,” this substance is medically known as rheum. While some people produce more of it than others, it’s generally a normal part of the body’s daily maintenance.
During the day, blinking helps flush out tears, mucus, and debris. But when we sleep, that natural cleaning process slows down. As a result, a mixture of tears, mucus, oils, dead skin cells, and bacteria can collect and dry out, forming that familiar crust.
Dr. Rachel Clemmons, an ophthalmologist at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, explains:
“The eye has several defense mechanisms to prevent infection, including antimicrobial proteins in tears and the protective barrier of mucus. What we see as discharge is often the immune system’s way of clearing out harmful bacteria.”
According to the Cleveland Clinic, this type of eye discharge is typically harmless. However, if the discharge becomes unusually thick, green, sticky, or foamy, it could be a sign of an eye condition such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) or an infection.
Warning signs of abnormal eye discharge include:
- Green or yellow color
- Excessive stickiness or foamy texture
- Eye pain or itching
- Redness or swelling
- Blurred vision or light sensitivity
- A bump or swelling on the eyelid
Dr. Samantha Weiss, an optometrist, advises:
“While a small amount of morning discharge is perfectly normal, changes in its color, consistency, or amount should not be ignored, as they could indicate an underlying issue.”
Several bacteria can cause abnormal discharge, including Staphylococcus epidermidis, Propionibacterium, Corynebacterium, Streptococcus, and some gram-negative bacteria.
Infants and young children often have more visible eye discharge due to narrow tear ducts, which can become blocked. It’s also more common among older adults and individuals with dry eyes.
So next time you wake up with a bit of eye gunk, rest assured—it’s usually just your eyes doing their job. But if something seems off, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare provider.
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