General Eye Conditions and Tests
What does discharge from the eye mean?
The type of discharge is a useful clue. Watery discharge suggests a viral infection, allergy or a drainage problem. Yellow or green sticky discharge that gums the lids suggests bacterial infection. Stringy mucus suggests allergy or dryness. Any discharge with pain, reduced vision or in a contact lens wearer needs same day assessment.
What the pattern suggests
- Watery, with a red eye and a recent cold, commonly viral conjunctivitis, which is very contagious
- Thick yellow or green, with lids stuck together in the morning, commonly bacterial conjunctivitis
- Stringy white mucus with itching, commonly allergy, or dryness
- Constant watering with intermittent stickiness, suggesting a blocked tear duct
- Crusting at the lash bases on waking, suggesting blepharitis
In newborn babies
Sticky eyes in the first weeks of life are common and often due to a narrow tear duct. However, a red, swollen, heavily discharging eye in a newborn needs urgent medical assessment, because certain infections acquired around birth can damage the cornea quickly.
Practical care
- Wipe from the inner corner outwards with clean cotton wool and boiled cooled water, using a fresh piece for each wipe and each eye
- Wash hands often, use your own towel and do not share bedding
- Do not wear contact lenses until the eye is normal and you have been advised it is safe
- Discard eye cosmetics used during an infection
- Avoid sharing eye drops between people
When treatment is needed
Many cases settle with hygiene and lubricants. Antibiotic drops are appropriate for bacterial infection, and are decided after examination. Discharge with pain, light sensitivity, reduced vision or a corneal white spot needs urgent examination, since a corneal ulcer can threaten sight.
When to seek urgent assessment
- Discharge with pain, reduced vision or light sensitivity
- Heavy discharge with a swollen red eye in a newborn, which needs urgent care
- A contact lens wearer with discharge and a red eye, which needs same day assessment
- Spreading redness and swelling of the eyelid with fever
Frequently asked questions
- How long is conjunctivitis contagious?
- Viral conjunctivitis can be contagious for one to two weeks, usually while the eye is red and watering. Careful hand hygiene is the main way to prevent spread.
- Can I go to work or school?
- Practice varies. Where discharge is heavy, staying away and maintaining strict hand hygiene reduces spread. Ask at your appointment.
Concerned about these symptoms?
Arrange an eye examination with our consultant ophthalmologist in Garki, Abuja.
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