Like many other organs, your eye also secretes some fluid to keep the surface moist and lubricated. You often find this fluid dried up in the inner corners of your eyes, and it is called eye gunk. This fluid has a normal composition that is important to provide protection and nourishment to your eyeball.
However, the composition can change in case of health problems. Let’s see what your eye says about your health.
A Thick Yellow Eye Gunk Shows Infection
Are your eyes red, and there is a thicker than normal, yellowish discharge? Well, this indicates an eye infection! You should not ignore it and see a doctor. An eye infection can get complicated, leading to damage and vision problems.
Watery Eyes can be Due to Allergy
Do you have a runny nose and runny eyes? Is the discharge copious and watery? Well, these are the symptoms of allergy. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, than you must know. This can be really annoying, and your doctor can prescribe you anti-allergy medications to control it.
Flu can Also Increase Eye Discharge
Having a stuffy nose with sneezing and watering eyes? Flu can lead to increased production of fluid in the eyes leading to watering. You can use medications to control symptoms until the episode of viral flu is over.
Some Foreign Body might be Irritating Your Eye
The natural mechanism is that whenever a foreign body enters your eye, it starts watering to remove it. This mechanism protects your eye from any damage. So, if your eye secretions have increased, then something may be irritating your eye.
The Draining Duct can be Blocked
Your eye produces a small amount of fluid all the time. This fluid is drained via a duct present in the inner corner of the eyes. When this duct gets blocked, fluid is not drained, and it keeps getting collected in your eye, leading to watering and increased gunk.
Dry Eyes Also Stimulate Increased Fluid Production
If you are at a windy location or in a drying environment, then your eyes also get dried. In response to dryness, your eye glands start producing increased fluid that lubricates the surface and prevents any trauma that can occur due to dryness and increased friction.
Old and Dirty Contact Lenses Increase Tear Production
If you are using the same contact lenses for a long time now, then you should be alert. Such lenses get dirty and infected over time due to regular use and improper care. Also, they have a certain life after which they should be replaced. Otherwise, they can cause eye infection and increased gunk.
A Corneal Ulcer can Also be the Reason of Increased Gunk
The cornea is the outmost part of the eye that is present in front of the pupil. It can get ulcerated due to various reasons including infections and trauma. These ulcers can lead to increased gunk production and mucus in your eye discharge. It is a serious condition and requires immediate medical attention.
A Stye can Make Your Eyes Water
A stye is an infection of a small gland present along the lash lines. The infection can cause redness, swelling, and pain. Moreover, your eyes become sensitive to light, and due to that, they produce more tears than normal.
Glaucoma is a Reason for Excessive Watering
Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the pressure increases inside the eye. It causes impaired vision, headache, and vomiting. Moreover, your eyes can start watering excessively. It is a serious condition and can cause permanent damage to your vision.
The eyes are a precious gift of nature. It is necessary to take good care of your eyes to maintain vision and health. If you notice any increase in eye discharge or gunk, then see a doctor. There might be a serious underlying condition.
