The eye discharge can be clear, white, yellow, or green, depending on the cause.
This article covers some of the most common causes of eye discharge and what they look like.
It also discusses other related symptoms, as well as the common ways to treat these conditions.
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Causes of Eye Goop
Eye mucus is normal and needed for eye health.
What Causes Goopy Eyes in Babies and Kids?
A little discharge in the corner of your babys eyes is normal.
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It can be wet, crusty, clear, or a little yellow.
you’re free to usually just wipe it away.
If you notice these issues, take your baby to their healthcare provider.
Conjunctivitis can cause other symptoms, like eye burning and itching.
A pink eye infection can be brought on by bacteria or viruses.
Children and adults can get conjunctivitis.
A pink eye infection that’s because of a virus often comes withcommon cold symptoms.
Pink eye can also be resulting from herpes simplex infections.
While many cases of pink eye are mild and go away on their own, some need medical care.
At-home treatment for pink eye usually includes a warm compress to reduce redness and swelling.
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What Does Eye Goop Color Mean?
Clear or light-yellow eye goop is usually normal.
Green or dark yellow eye discharge can be a sign of an infection or another eye problem.
It can make the eye red and sore and may affect vision.
Depending on the cause, you may need medication (like antibiotic drops) to treat keratitis.
Allergies
Eye allergies (allergic conjunctivitis) can cause a clear or white eye discharge.
In some cases, prescription eyedrops and a corticosteroid are needed to manage symptoms.
Blocked Tear Ducts
Goopy eyes can also happen if you get blocked tear ducts.
Infants can also have closed or undeveloped corners of the eyes that keep tears from draining.
This typically gets better as they grow and the ducts open up.
In extreme cases, it also causes fever and pain.
Sometimes, adacryocystorhinostomyis needed to unblock the tear duct drainage system.
Generally, treatment for the infection depends on the cause.
A blocked tear duct may cause drainage in only one eye or both eyes.
A tear duct can be fully or only partially blocked.
The drainage can get worse if you have asinus infectionor arecongested.
Styes are because of bacterial infections that lead to excessive tear production.
Some underlying health conditions, including diabetes, make styes more likely.
Most styes can be treated at home by keeping the affected area clean and makeup-free.
Warm compresses and light massage can help to relieve symptoms.
If necessary, both OTC and prescription medications can treat a stubborn stye.
Does Entropion Cause Goopy Eye Symptoms?
Entropioncauses your lower eyelid to turn in.
Entropion can cause excessive tear production, redness, and irritation from the lid rubbing on the eye.
The condition is typically age-related and surgery can correct the eyelid and improve symptoms.
These infections are a more serious cause of eye discharge that can lead to permanent damage.
Cellulitis and Eye Cancer
Cancers of the eye are sometimes confused for cellulitis.
Summary
Small amounts of eye discharge are normal and mean your eyes are healthy.
You should see a provider to get diagnosed and find the best treatment.
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