Eye sleep is a yellow crust that forms on the corners of our eyes and on our eyelashes throughout night. The accumulation of eye sleep varies from person to person.
Although the medical term for it is “rheum,” it is also referred to as “eye boogers” and “eye gunk.”
It is important for individuals to understand that eye slumber is a common occurrence.
Blinking while awake aids in the removal of mucus and tears. But while we sleep, these accumulate and harden in the corners of our eyes.
In actuality, the eye sleep is made up of oils, dead cells, germs, and their remnants in addition to tears and mucus.
The eye has multiple defenses against infection, such as the physical barrier formed by mucus and antibacterial proteins in tears, according to Dr. Rachel Clemmons, an ophthalmologist at the Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia. Your immune system’s ability to effectively combat potentially dangerous microorganisms that could otherwise lead to illnesses is partially demonstrated by what we see as discharge.
The Cleveland Clinic states that unless there is a connection to another ailment, like conjunctivitis, which is an infection of the conjunctiva, the dirt accumulated on the eyes is normal.
In certain situations, the discharge from the eyes is more apparent and more frequent than usual.
Green, sticky, profuse, and frothy discharge are all examples of abnormal ocular discharge.
Pain, itching, redness, blurred vision, light sensitivity, swollen eyelids, or a lump on the eyelid are typically present along with it.
“While some morning discharge is completely normal, patients should be aware of significant changes in the amount, color, or consistency of their eye discharge,” says Dr. Samantha Weiss, an optometrist in private practice. These alterations should not be disregarded as they may be significant markers of eye health.
Staphylococcus epidermidis, a frequent bacterium on the surface of the eye, Propionibacterium species, Corynebacterium species, Streptococcus species, and other gram-negative bacteria in lower quantities are further sources of aberrant eye discharge.
Due to their small tear ducts, babies and young children have more excessive eye discharge or eye sleep. Additionally, it is more prevalent in older adults and individuals with dry eyes.
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