Have you ever woken up in the morning and noticed a yellowish, crusty substance gathered at the corners of your eyes? Many people find this unpleasant or even worrying. But in most cases, it’s completely normal. So, what exactly is it?
That yellow gunk is called “eye discharge,” also known medically as rheum. It’s a mix of mucus, oils, skin cells, and tiny particles like dust that build up in your eyes while you sleep. During the day, blinking helps wash these substances away with your natural tears. But at night, when your eyes are closed and not blinking, the waste collects and dries out, forming that yellowish crust by morning.
Why does it happen?
- Natural cleaning: Your eyes produce mucus to help remove tiny debris and keep your eyes moist.
- Tears slow down: At night, tear production slows, so debris isn’t washed away as quickly.
- Eyelids act like a filter: They trap dust and bacteria, which then mix into this discharge.
When should you worry?
While a small amount of yellowish eye crust is normal, sometimes it can signal an infection. See a doctor if you notice:
- Excessive discharge that keeps returning during the day
- A change in color to green or gray
- Eyes that are red, swollen, or painful
- Sticky discharge that makes your eyelids hard to open
These can be signs of conjunctivitis (pink eye), a stye, or another eye infection that might need medical treatment.
How to keep your eyes clean:
- Gently wipe your eyes in the morning with a clean, damp cloth.
- Wash your hands before touching your eyes.
- Remove makeup before bed.
- Avoid sleeping in contact lenses.
In short, that yellow stuff in your eyes is usually just a harmless sign that your eyes have been doing their nightly cleaning job. But stay alert to changes — your eyes are delicate, and caring for them is always worth it!