What causes eye boogers

What Are Eye Boogers?

Eye boogers, scientifically referred to as rheum or conjunctival secretions, are a common and generally harmless occurrence. They are the result of the natural cleaning and lubrication mechanisms of your eyes. While you are awake, your eyelids constantly blink, spreading a thin tear film across the surface of your eyes. This tear film consists of water, oil, and mucus. It keeps the eyes moist, washes away small particles, and protects the delicate tissues from drying out.

However, when you sleep, your eyelids are closed, and blinking ceases. During this period, the tear film and any accumulated debris, such as dust, dead skin cells, and oil from your Meibomian glands (oil glands in your eyelids), have nowhere to go. They begin to collect in the inner corners of your eyes, where the upper and lower eyelids meet. As this mixture dries, it forms the crusty or sticky substance we commonly call eye boogers.

The Components of Eye Boogers

The composition of eye boogers can vary slightly from person to person and day to day, but they generally consist of:

• Mucus: Produced by goblet cells in the conjunctiva (the membrane lining the eyelid and covering the white part of the eye), mucus traps foreign particles and lubricates the eye's surface.
• Oil: Secreted by the Meibomian glands located along the edges of the eyelids, this oily layer helps to prevent the tear film from evaporating too quickly.
• Skin Cells: As the skin around the eyes sheds naturally, some of these cells can mix with the other secretions.
• Debris: Tiny particles of dust, pollen, lint, and other environmental irritants that have been caught by the tear film and mucus.
• Water: The primary component of tears, which evaporates as the rheum dries.

Why Do They Form, Especially Overnight?

The formation of eye boogers is a testament to your eyes' self-cleaning function. The tear film constantly works to keep the ocular surface clean and lubricated. When you are awake, the blinking action acts like a windshield wiper, sweeping away any accumulated matter towards the tear ducts located in the inner corners of your eyes. Most of this material is then drained into your nasal cavity.

During sleep, this continuous cleansing process is interrupted. With closed eyelids, the secretions and trapped debris are unable to be swept away. Instead, they pool in the corners and solidify as they dry out. This is why you typically wake up with eye boogers, and why they are more noticeable in the morning.

When to Be Concerned About Eye Discharge

While normal eye boogers are usually white, yellowish, or slightly greenish and are easily wiped away, changes in their appearance or quantity can signal an underlying issue. You should consult a doctor or eye care professional if you experience:

• Excessive discharge: A significant increase in the amount of rheum, especially if it's thick and persistent throughout the day.
• Discolored discharge: Bright green or yellow discharge, which can be a sign of a bacterial infection (like bacterial conjunctivitis or 'pink eye').
• Itching and redness: If the eye boogers are accompanied by severe itching, redness, swelling, or pain.
• Crusting that hinders vision: If the discharge is so thick that it makes it difficult to open your eyes.
• Watery discharge with other symptoms: A persistent watery discharge along with other symptoms might indicate viral conjunctivitis or allergies.

These symptoms could indicate conditions such as conjunctivitis (viral, bacterial, or allergic), a blocked tear duct, blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids), or other eye infections or irritations. Prompt medical attention is important for proper diagnosis and treatment.

How to Clean Eye Boogers

Cleaning eye boogers is simple and should be done gently. The best method is to use a clean, damp cloth or cotton ball. You can moisten it with warm water. Gently wipe from the inner corner of your eye outwards. Always use a fresh cloth or cotton ball for each eye to avoid spreading any potential infection. It's also important to wash your hands thoroughly before and after touching your eyes.