Why does conjunctivitis cause eye discharge?

The type of fluid can vary: it may be clear and watery, stringy, or thicker and sticky. Eye Discharge is a very common presentation of Conjunctivitis.

Inflammation makes small surface blood vessels more visible and stimulates the eye's protective tear and mucus production. A viral irritation often produces watery discharge, while bacterial infection can create thicker material that sticks lashes together. Allergy can cause tearing and stringy mucus with itching. These patterns overlap, so discharge alone cannot identify the cause.

Wash your hands before and after touching the eye area. Gently wipe away crusting with clean water and a fresh clean pad, moving from the inner corner outward. Avoid rubbing the eye, sharing towels, eye makeup, or contact lenses. If you wear contacts, leave them out until a clinician says it is appropriate to restart them. Use medicines only as directed for the suspected cause.

Seek urgent assessment for eye pain, reduced or changed vision, marked light sensitivity, injury, a chemical splash, or swelling around the eye. Arrange clinical advice if discharge is worsening, the eye is very uncomfortable, or symptoms do not improve. Infants with a red or discharging eye should be assessed promptly.

Ask whether the appearance of the eye suggests infection, allergy, or another problem, and whether drops are appropriate. Mention contact-lens use, recent eye injury, cold symptoms, itching, vision changes, and any treatment already tried.