If you’ve ever woken up, looked in the mirror, and noticed more gunk (eye discharge) in the corners of your eyes—dry, sticky, or even paired with redness or soreness—you’re not alone. For many, this is a routine part of morning life. But if your morning eye discharge suddenly increases, or changes in color or texture, it’s time to pay attention: these shifts could be warning signs of an eye infection, allergy, or other health issue. Below, we break down everything you need to know about morning eye discharge—from what’s normal to what’s not, and how to handle it safely.
The gunk you see is technically called “rheum” (or simply eye discharge), a mix of tears, oils from your eyelids, dead skin cells, dust, and harmless bacteria. When you’re awake, blinking flushes this mixture into your tear ducts. But while you sleep, your eyes stay closed—so rheum builds up in the inner corners.
Normal morning eye discharge looks like this:
- A small amount
- Pale yellow or clear
- Dry and non-sticky
This is 100% normal. You might notice a little more if you slept in a dusty room, used air conditioning overnight, or didn’t wash your face before bed—these are harmless environmental factors, no need to worry.
If your morning eye discharge veers from the “normal” list above—especially with added symptoms—it’s time to act. Here are the red flags:
Bright yellow, thick morning eye discharge (even the kind that glues your eyelids shut) is a classic sign of bacterial conjunctivitis. You’ll likely also have:
- Red, painful eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Discharge that sticks around all day (not just morning)
Bacterial infections are contagious and need prescription eye drops—never use over-the-counter products without seeing an ophthalmologist. Left untreated, they can worsen or spread to others.
White, stringy morning eye discharge paired with a gritty feeling, mild redness, or tearing often points to viral conjunctivitis. This type is highly contagious (think: shared towels, dirty hands) and usually hits when your immune system is low (like during a cold). You might also have cold-like symptoms (runny nose, sore throat).
Viral conjunctivitis takes time to heal—focus on hygiene (wash hands often, don’t share pillowcases) to stop it from spreading to family or friends.
Thin, watery morning eye discharge (like tears mixed with tiny bits of gunk) plus extreme itching? This is almost always allergic conjunctivitis. Common triggers: pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or even cosmetics.
Unlike bacterial infections, there’s no pus—but the itching is intense. Resist rubbing your eyes! Rubbing scratches the cornea (the clear part of your eye) and raises the risk of infection.
Cleaning eye discharge the wrong way can introduce bacteria or irritate your eyes. Follow these rules for safe removal:
- Wash your hands first: Dirty hands are a top cause of eye infections—never touch your eyes without washing up.
- Use warm water or a cotton swab: Warm water softens dry gunk. Once it’s moist, gently wipe it away with a clean cotton ball or swab.
- Wipe from inner to outer corner: This prevents pushing discharge back into your eye (and spreading bacteria).
- Clean frequently if needed: If discharge returns during the day, re-clean with a fresh swab—avoid reusing dirty towels.
- Skip paper towels: Their rough fibers can scratch your eye or leave lint behind.
Avoid these common mistakes to protect your eyes:
- Don’t wear contact lenses: Contacts reduce tear flow and trap bacteria—wearing them with inflammation or discharge will make infections worse.
- Don’t rub your eyes: Rubbing transfers bacteria from your hands to your eyes and spreads inflammation to the other eye.
- Don’t stare at screens for hours: Screen time reduces blinking (and tear production), making discharge build up faster. Take 20 - second breaks every 20 minutes to blink and rest your eyes.
A small amount of pale yellow or clear morning eye discharge is normal—it’s your body’s way of cleaning your eyes. But if you notice:
- More discharge than usual
- Changes in color (yellow, white) or texture (thick, stringy)
- Symptoms like redness, pain, or itching
Don’t ignore it. These signs could mean an infection (bacterial/viral) or allergy. Practice good hygiene, avoid rubbing your eyes, and see an eye doctor if symptoms persist for more than a day or two.
Your eyes work hard to help you see the world—give them the care they deserve.
