Why Do Eye Crusts Form in the Corners of Your Eyes in the Morning?
Eye crusts in the corners are a common and normal occurrence. However, certain signs should alert you to potential issues.
Understanding when these eye crusts are harmless and when they might indicate a problem.
Prefer listening? Tune into our podcast for this article.Many people experience this: you wake up, open your eyes, and notice something crusty or your eyelashes stuck together. Is it an infection? Should you rush to the doctor?
Relax—most often, this is simply dried mucus and nothing to worry about.
What Exactly Is This Eye Mucus?
In English, the morning eye discharge is called "rheum." In many cultures, it’s colloquially known as "sleep" or "eye sand." Some families even create their own playful names like "eye boogers."
This discharge is made up of mucus, shed skin cells, oils, and tears that your eyes continuously produce. While awake, blinking washes this mixture away unnoticed, but during sleep, it accumulates in the corners of your eyes.
By morning, the collected discharge dries, forming those familiar crusts and clumps.
When Should You Be Concerned?
Be alert if you notice abnormal discharge—especially if your eyes look irritated or if the crusts are so thick they glue your eyelids shut.
Warning signs include discharge that:
- Changes color from clear to white, green, or yellow;
- Becomes sticky or foamy;
- Forms pus-filled lumps in the inner eye corners;
- Is accompanied by pain, itching, or sensitivity to light;
- Causes blurred vision;
- Occurs along with redness or swelling.
These symptoms may indicate an infection or other eye conditions.
What to Do If You Have Excessive or Troubling Eye Discharge
Visit an eye specialist for an examination and diagnosis. Often, excessive mucus and crusting point to blepharitis—an inflammation of the eyelids caused by bacteria.
While blepharitis can’t usually be completely cured, its symptoms can be managed by:
- Cleaning your eyes twice daily using cotton pads soaked in a gentle shampoo diluted with water.
- Applying warm compresses to soften crusts and prevent blocked oil glands.
- Using doctor-prescribed antibiotic ointments or eye drops.
- Taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements to support healthy eyelid gland function.
- Avoiding contact lenses and eye makeup while symptoms persist.
Another common cause of eye discharge is conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the eye’s transparent mucous membrane. It can result from viruses, bacteria, allergies, or irritation.
Conjunctivitis often resolves within 1–2 weeks without treatment, but relief can be found using over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants, warm or cool compresses, and non-antibiotic ointments.
However, if you experience eye pain, excessive discharge, blurred vision, or light sensitivity, seek medical attention promptly. A specialist will identify the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
How to Safely Remove Morning Eye Crusts and Mucus
Always wash your hands before touching your face or eyes to prevent introducing bacteria or dirt.
Instead of rubbing your eyes or using your fingers, use a cotton pad moistened with warm (not hot) water to gently wipe your eyelids.
If crusting is severe, place a damp cotton pad over your closed eye for a few minutes to soften the debris, making it easier to remove without harsh rubbing.
Use a separate cotton pad for each eye to reduce the risk of spreading any potential infection.
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