Should I Clean Eye Discharge?

It depends on the cause and severity of the discharge, but generally, you should gently clean eye discharge, but avoid squeezing or aggressively manipulating the area. It's crucial to understand why the discharge is present to handle it properly and know when to seek professional medical help.

Here’s a breakdown:

• Minor Eye Discharge (Sleep Crust): A small amount of crusty discharge, often called "sleep" or "rheum," is normal, especially after waking up. This is typically made up of mucus, skin cells, and oils produced by the eye.

  • How to clean: Use a clean, warm washcloth to gently wipe the closed eyelid from the inner corner of the eye outwards. Avoid using soap directly in the eye.

• Excessive Eye Discharge (Possible Infection): If you notice significantly increased discharge, especially if it's yellow, green, or gray, this often indicates an eye infection, such as conjunctivitis (pink eye).

  • How to handle:
    • Do not squeeze or attempt to drain any bumps or lumps associated with the discharge. This can worsen the infection and potentially lead to skin infections.
    • Consult an eye doctor or healthcare professional. They can diagnose the cause of the discharge (bacterial, viral, or allergic) and recommend appropriate treatment, such as antibiotic eye drops.
    • Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your eyes, and use a clean washcloth each time you clean the area around your eye.
    • Avoid sharing towels or washcloths to prevent spreading the infection.

• Eye Discharge with Other Symptoms: If you experience eye discharge along with other symptoms like:

  • Redness
  • Pain
  • Blurred vision
  • Light sensitivity

Seek immediate medical attention. These symptoms could indicate a more serious eye problem.

In summary, while gently cleaning minor eye discharge is acceptable, any excessive or unusual discharge warrants a visit to a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. Avoid squeezing or manipulating the eye, as this could worsen the condition.