Green snot and eye discharge: what it can mean

Nasal mucus can look green when immune cells and thicker mucus collect during a respiratory illness. Eye discharge may be watery, stringy, or sticky. Viral illness can affect the nose and eyes at the same time, while bacterial conjunctivitis may cause thicker discharge that makes the eyelids stick together. Allergies more often cause itching, watering, and clear discharge; see Allergic Conjunctivitis for that pattern.

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the eye surface and can spread easily when caused by a virus or bacteria. Read more about Conjunctivitis if redness, crusting, or discharge is prominent. Green colour by itself does not identify the cause or show that antibiotics are needed.

Wash your hands before and after touching the eyes, avoid rubbing them, and use a clean warm, damp cloth to loosen crusts. Use a separate cloth for each eye and do not share towels, pillows, cosmetics, or eye drops. Saline nasal rinses or drops may help loosen mucus; use sterile or properly prepared water according to the product directions.

Rest, drink fluids, and avoid contact lenses until the eye feels normal and discharge has stopped. Do not use leftover antibiotic eye drops. A clinician can decide whether an examination or treatment is appropriate. The Eye Discharge page explains other discharge patterns and practical care.

Arrange prompt medical assessment for eye pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision, marked swelling, an injury, or symptoms in a contact-lens wearer. Seek urgent help if vision changes suddenly, the eye cannot open, or swelling spreads around the eye.

Contact a clinician if symptoms are worsening, do not start improving, keep returning, or come with breathing difficulty, severe facial pain, or a high fever. Infants, people with weakened immunity, and people who have recently had eye surgery should seek advice early.

Ask: Could this be conjunctivitis or another cause? Do I need an eye examination? Should I stop contact lenses, and what symptoms would mean I need urgent review?