Pink eye with white discharge

Discharge is made from tears, mucus, and inflammatory cells. It may collect at the inner corner or make the lashes stick together during sleep. Viral conjunctivitis often causes watery or mucus-like discharge, while bacterial infection can cause thicker material; allergy and dry eye can also create stringy white mucus. The associated pattern matters: itching points toward allergy, while pain, light sensitivity, or vision change needs a closer look. White discharge does not establish a diagnosis on its own.

Wash your hands, soften crusts with clean water, and wipe from the inner corner outward with a fresh cloth. Do not scrape the eyelids or rub the eye. Use separate towels, avoid sharing cosmetics and eye drops, and pause contact lenses until symptoms have cleared and advice has been given. A cool compress may soothe irritation. A clinician can decide whether antibiotic treatment is suitable rather than relying on discharge colour.

Book a GP consultation if discharge continues, keeps returning, or occurs with marked redness. Seek urgent care for significant pain, light sensitivity, blurred or reduced vision, swelling around the eye, injury, or chemical exposure. Contact-lens wearers should seek prompt assessment if discharge is accompanied by pain or vision change.

Ask what the discharge pattern suggests, whether you need a swab or treatment, how to prevent spread, and when lenses or cosmetics can be resumed. Mention itching, pain, light sensitivity, fever, recent illness, and contact-lens use.