Eye Boogers: What Are They and How to Get Rid of Them

Everyone wakes up with some ‘eye boogers.’ Usually, this normal eye discharge—made of mucus, oils, and skin cells—is harmless. But if you're noticing changes in color, amount, or texture, your eyes could be signaling a bigger issue

But how do you know if your 'eye boogers' are normal or a sign of trouble? This guide will help you understand what your eyes might be trying to tell you, how to manage daily eye hygiene, and when it’s time to see an eye doctor.

What Eye Discharge Is and Why You Wake Up with It

That crusty buildup you notice upon waking is known as rheum. It's your body's natural way of clearing away debris overnight, and is composed mainly of mucus, oil, shed skin cells, and even bacteria that collect as you sleep.

At night, your tear film, normally refreshed by blinking, slows down. This slowdown allows immune cells, especially neutrophils, to gather in your tears.

These cells trap bacteria and debris, forming protective clusters. By morning, these clusters become the whitish or pale-yellow crust at your eyes’ corners, serving as a natural defense system to keep your eyes clean and healthy.

When Should Eye Discharge Worry You?

Contrary to online myths, normal rheum doesn't mean your eyes are infected or dirty. It just means your eyes are working as they should during the night, catching irritants before they cause trouble.

Different types of eye discharge can clue you into potential eye issues. Here’s what each type might indicate:

• Clear, stringy mucus. Typically allergy-related, especially if your eyes feel itchy and swollen. Seasonal allergies or contact with allergens can produce this stringy discharge.
  
• Watery, thin discharge. Often a sign of viral conjunctivitis, frequently called "pink eye." Your eyes might look glossy, watery, and mildly crusty in the morning.
  
• Thick, yellow or green discharge. Usually points to bacterial conjunctivitis. Eyes may feel sticky, eyelids often glue shut overnight, and discharge continues throughout the day.
  
• Foamy, oily discharge. Suggests meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), where glands in your eyelids produce abnormal oils. You might notice greasy crusts or bubbly tears.
  
• Bloody crust. A medical emergency. Bloody discharge or crust could mean severe trauma or infection. Seek immediate medical care.
  

When to See Your Eye Doctor for Eye Discharge

It's crucial to get professional care if you experience:

• Persistent green or yellow discharge. Indicates bacterial infection needing antibiotic treatment.
  
• Severe pain or blurred vision. Can signal sight-threatening issues.
  
• Excessive swelling of eyelids. Suggests severe allergic or bacterial reaction.
  
• Bloody or unusual discharge. Requires immediate medical evaluation.

If you're unsure or worried, don't wait—consult with your eye doctor promptly.

Daily Removal and Hygiene Routine for Eye Boogers

Managing daily eye discharge effectively can prevent discomfort and reduce infection risks, especially for contact lens wearers.

Here's a simple, safe hygiene routine to follow:

• Warm washcloth compress. Soak a clean washcloth in warm water, wring it out, and gently place it over your closed eyelids for two to five minutes. The warmth helps loosen the crust and clears blocked oil glands.
  
• Gentle eyelid cleaning. After the compress, use the clean washcloth or pre-moistened eyelid wipes to gently clean your eyelids. Wipe from the inner corner to the outer corner of your eyes, avoiding harsh rubbing.
  
• Contact lens handling tweaks. Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching lenses. Store lenses only in fresh disinfecting solution—never reuse old solution or top it off. Replace your lens case regularly to avoid biofilm buildup linked to contact lens-related eye infections.
  
• Avoid fingernail digging. Never try to remove discharge with fingernails or sharp objects; this can scratch your eyes, introducing harmful debris and increasing infection risk. Instead, rinse gently with artificial tears or warm water.

Are There Treatments for Eye Discharge?

Eye discharge often signals an underlying condition. Getting an accurate diagnosis from your healthcare provider ensures effective treatment. Here’s how common conditions are usually treated:

• Allergic conjunctivitis. Over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops can relieve symptoms. Also, minimize exposure to allergens, especially during allergy season.
  
• Bacterial conjunctivitis. Typically treated with antibiotic eye drops prescribed by your healthcare provider. Bacterial infections can worsen quickly, becoming sight-threatening if untreated, so prompt medical attention is crucial.
  
• Viral conjunctivitis. Usually resolves on its own within one to two weeks. Regular hygiene and cold compresses can relieve discomfort. Viral infections are highly contagious, so hygiene is essential to prevent spreading.
  
• Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Managed by applying warm compresses to soften thickened oils. Advanced cases may benefit from proven thermal-pulsation devices such as LipiFlow or iLux, which unblock oil glands and help stabilize the tear film.
  

Never attempt self-diagnosis if symptoms worsen or persist beyond a couple of days—seek professional evaluation to avoid complications.

Tips to Maintain Eye Health

Maintaining eye health doesn't have to be complicated. Here are easy prevention tips and clear answers to common questions about eye discharge:

• Run a humidifier. Moist air prevents eyes from drying overnight, reducing irritation and crust formation.
  
• Increase omega-3 intake. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like fish or flaxseeds, help maintain tear production and quality, preventing chronic conditions like dry eye syndrome.
  
• Mind your blink rate. Frequent blinking while using digital screens keeps eyes moist and healthy, reducing sticky discharge from insufficient tear production.
  
• Practice makeup hygiene. Regularly replace eye makeup, avoid sharing products, and remove makeup thoroughly each night to prevent bacterial growth.
  
• Proper contact lens habits. Replace lenses as directed, never sleep in them unless prescribed, and use fresh solutions to avoid lens-related infections and excess mucus discharge.

Find an Eye Doctor Near You

If you experience unusual or persistent eye discharge, don't guess—visit a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.

To easily find trusted eye specialists near you, use VisionCenter.org’s ‘Find an Eye Doctor’ locator tool or consult guidelines provided by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).