What Causes White Eye Discharge?

Many factors may cause white eye discharge, including infections, allergies, or foreign bodies in the eye. In addition to discharge, you may also experience pain, itching, or crusting. The treatment for white eye discharge will depend on the underlying cause. For example, a bacterial infection may require antibiotics. Lubricating eye drops may benefit people with conditions like dry eye syndrome.

Read on to learn more about possible causes of white eye discharge and ways to treat or prevent it.

Various factors may lead to white eye discharge.

Different microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses, may cause white eye discharge when they infect the eyes. Common eye infections that may contribute to discharge include Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source :

• Bacterial conjunctivitis: When bacteria infect the conjunctiva, the thin layer covering the front of the eye can lead to a white or yellowish discharge. Your eyes might also feel itchy, and there could be crusting around your eyelashes after sleep.
• Viral conjunctivitis: Viral infections may also cause white eye discharge. The discharge may be watery and thinner initially, and you might also experience eye redness and irritation.

Fungal eye infections may also lead Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Governmental authority Go to source to discharge, light sensitivity, and pain.

Learn more about when to see a doctor for conjunctivitis.

Exposure to allergens like pollen, dust mites, or mold may cause Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source watery eye discharge and other symptoms like itchiness or redness.

A corneal ulcer is an open sore on the cornea, the eye’s clear front surface. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) notes that these ulcers may result from an infection, producing a pus-like discharge that may appear white. Corneal ulcers can cause severe pain, light sensitivity, and blurry vision and require medical attention.

Tears usually drain from your eyes through small channels called ducts into your nasal passages. Your tears may not drain properly if your tear ducts become blocked due to infection, inflammation, or structural issues. Blocked tear ducts, called nasolacrimal duct obstruction or dacryostenosis, may also be Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source  congenital.

As a result, your tears may accumulate in your eyes and mix with mucus, leading to eye discharge. You may also experience pain, swelling, irritation, and blurred vision.

This condition occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the composition of your tear film is disrupted. This can lead to irritation and inflammation.

According to the AAO, your eyes may produce more tears when they are irritated or inflamed, accompanying a discharge that may look like mucus.

Learn more about the difference between dry eye syndrome and allergies.

If a foreign object, like a particle of dust or debris, gets trapped in your eye, it may lead to irritation, redness, and eye discharge.

Wearing contact lenses for an extended period or not cleaning them properly may lead Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source to eye infections, causing eye discharge. You may also experience other symptoms, such as discomfort, redness, and sensitivity to light.

Learn more about the do’s and don’ts of dry eyes and contact lenses.

To determine what may be causing white eye discharge, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history.

An ophthalmologist or optometrist can then perform a complete eye exam. This may involve taking a closer look at your eye with a slit lamp, ordering imaging tests, or taking a sample of the discharge for a culture analysis.

Treatments for white eye discharge can vary depending on the underlying cause.

For example, bacterial eye infections may require antibiotic eye drops or systemic antibiotics. Over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription antihistamine eye drops may help manage Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source symptoms related to allergies.

Learn more about home remedies for eye infections.

To alleviate irritation caused by conditions like dry eye syndrome, your eye doctor may recommend artificial tears. Applying warm compresses and gently massaging the area Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source around a blocked tear duct may help loosen the blockage and promote proper tear drainage.

More intensive treatments like surgery may be necessary only for serious conditions like a badly damaged cornea resulting from a corneal ulcer.

Certain measures may be beneficial in avoiding white eye discharge and keeping your eyes healthy.

• Wash your hands before touching your eyes to prevent infections.
• Wear safety goggles during activities that could expose your eyes to dust or chemicals.
• Clean and store your contact lenses as directed to avoid irritation and infection.
• Identify your allergy triggers and minimize your exposure to them to prevent symptoms.
• Drink enough water to keep your eyes and body hydrated.
• Schedule regular eye exams to help you and your doctor identify any concerning eye conditions and manage them promptly.

Learn more about 8 health conditions that may affect your eyes.

White eye discharge may result from infection, allergies, or chronic conditions like dry eye syndrome. Depending on the cause, you may also experience eye pain, itching, or inflammation.

A comprehensive eye exam may help your doctor determine the underlying cause of the discharge. Treatments vary depending on the cause but may involve remedies like eye drops or systemic medications.

Talk with your doctor if you’re experiencing white eye discharge.