What should you know about foamy eye discharge?

Foam may appear when tears mix with oil, mucus, or debris along the eyelid edge. Allergic conjunctivitis commonly presents with itching, watering, and redness, often affecting both eyes. Conjunctivitis can cause discharge, gritty discomfort, and eyelids that stick together, with infectious forms potentially spreading to others. Dryness, eyelid inflammation, contact-lens irritation, or exposure to smoke and cosmetics can also alter the tear film. The colour and amount of discharge do not diagnose the cause by themselves.

Wash your hands before and after touching the eye. Gently clean discharge with clean water and a fresh pad for each eye, then avoid rubbing. Pause contact lenses and eye makeup until the eye is comfortable and discharge has stopped; do not share towels, cosmetics, or eye drops. A pharmacist or clinician can advise on suitable treatment after checking the pattern, especially if symptoms recur or you have an eye condition.

Arrange prompt eye assessment for significant pain, light sensitivity, reduced or blurred vision, marked swelling, injury, or a very red eye. Contact-lens wearers should seek advice promptly for a painful or red eye because corneal infection can threaten sight. Urgent care is needed if symptoms follow a chemical splash; rinse the eye with clean running water while seeking help. A newborn with discharge also needs medical assessment.

Ask whether the discharge pattern fits allergy, infection, dryness, or eyelid inflammation; whether you should stop lenses for longer; and which warning signs should trigger an urgent review.