What causes eye discharge?

A small amount of pale crust on waking can be normal as tears and mucus dry. Watery discharge with itching, sneezing, or symptoms in both eyes can fit allergic conjunctivitis. Redness with sticky or pus-like discharge may occur with conjunctivitis, which can be infectious or non-infectious. A stye usually causes a tender, localised lump at the eyelid edge and may produce nearby crusting. Dust, cosmetics, contact lenses, dry eyes, or smoke can irritate the surface and increase watering or mucus. Colour alone cannot reliably identify the cause, so pain, vision, and redness are also relevant.

Wash your hands before and after touching the eye. Gently clean crusts with clean water and a fresh pad for each eye; do not share towels, cosmetics, or eye drops. Avoid rubbing the eye and pause contact lens use while it is red or producing discharge. A cool compress may soothe itching, while a warm compress can ease a tender eyelid lump. A pharmacist or clinician can advise whether allergy treatment or other care is suitable.

Arrange review for discharge that persists, keeps returning, or occurs with marked redness. Seek urgent eye care for significant pain, light sensitivity, reduced or blurred vision, injury, chemical exposure, a swollen eyelid with fever, or symptoms in a contact-lens wearer. Do not delay if the eye cannot open comfortably or the redness is rapidly worsening.

Ask whether the pattern fits allergy, conjunctivitis, a stye, or surface irritation. Mention contact lens use, recent illness, itching, pain, vision change, one-eye or two-eye involvement, and any products used near the eye.