Eye discharge, a mix of mucus, tears, oils from meibomian glands, dead cells, and debris, is naturally expelled by the eyes to cleanse the ocular surface. A small amount in the eye corners upon waking is normal. However, certain daily habits can increase discharge, potentially raising infection risk.

**Sleeping with contact lenses**

Sleeping with contact lenses reduces corneal oxygen, fostering bacterial growth and irritating the eye surface. Inflamed or irritated eyes produce more discharge. Additionally, extended wear or poor lens hygiene raises the risk of conjunctivitis and keratitis, conditions often linked to abnormal discharge.

**Incomplete eye makeup removal before bed**

Incomplete eye makeup removal before bed can lead to increased discharge. Leftover mascara, eyeliner, or eyeshadow mixes with natural tears and mucus. Makeup accumulating on eyelid margins can also block oil glands, causing inflammation. Persistent inflammation often results in scales around eyelashes, abundant discharge, and a gritty, itchy sensation.

**Prolonged screen time**

Prolonged screen time significantly reduces blinking, causing tears to evaporate quickly. This leads to dry, irritated eyes. To compensate, eyes may produce extra mucus to protect the ocular surface. Individuals working with electronic screens for many consecutive hours often notice thicker eye discharge, especially in the morning.

Using a phone for many consecutive hours at night can lead to increased eye discharge the following morning. *Image created by AI*

**Frequent eye rubbing**

Frequent eye rubbing, often done due to itchiness, fatigue, or sleepiness, can transfer bacteria, viruses, and debris to the eye surface. This increases the risk of conjunctivitis or blepharitis. Constant rubbing also irritates the conjunctiva, increasing mucus and eye fluid production. If discharge is significant, accompanied by redness, pain, or swelling, seek medical attention instead of continuing to rub.

**Neglecting eyelid hygiene**

Neglecting eyelid hygiene can cause blepharitis. Eyelid margins contain numerous small oil glands vital for tear film maintenance. If uncleaned, excess oil, dead cells, and bacteria accumulate, leading to inflammation. This is a common cause of recurrent eye discharge, particularly in the morning. Blepharitis sufferers may also notice crusty eyelashes, sticky eyelids upon waking, and a burning or gritty sensation.

Normal eye discharge is typically white or pale yellow, small, and appears only upon waking. However, seek prompt medical attention if discharge is abundant or continuous throughout the day, dark yellow or green, pus-like, causes eyelids to stick, or is accompanied by redness and blurred vision. These symptoms may indicate conjunctivitis, blepharitis, severe dry eyes, or other eye conditions needing early treatment.

By Bao Bao (Compiled)