Continuous eye discharge: what to know

Clear, watery discharge with itching often fits Allergic Conjunctivitis, especially when both eyes are affected and symptoms follow pollen, dust or another trigger. Sticky or pus-like discharge with redness can occur with Conjunctivitis. A small amount of crusting on waking may be less concerning, but ongoing or increasing discharge deserves attention. Contact lens wear, an eye injury, a foreign body or exposure to chemicals changes the level of concern. Discharge alone cannot identify the cause, so pain, light sensitivity and vision are useful details to report.

Wash your hands before and after touching the eye. Gently clean crusts with clean, lukewarm water and a fresh pad for each eye; do not share towels, pillows, cosmetics or eye drops. Avoid rubbing your eyes and stop wearing contact lenses until symptoms have been assessed and settled. Discard eye makeup used during the episode. If a chemical enters the eye, rinse continuously with clean running water and seek urgent advice, taking the product information if available.

Seek urgent eye care for reduced or blurred vision, severe pain, marked light sensitivity, an injury, a foreign body that will not wash out, chemical exposure, or swelling around the eye with fever. Contact a clinician promptly if discharge is thick or worsening, redness is spreading, symptoms affect a newborn, or contact lens use is involved. Avoid delaying assessment when the eye feels significantly different from the other eye.

Ask whether the pattern suggests allergy, infection or another irritation; whether you should use any drops; how long to avoid lenses; and which changes in pain, discharge or vision require urgent review. Mention recent illness, allergies, eye injury and shared household symptoms.