Eye mucus, the discharge that forms in the corners of your eyes, is often a result of simple eye irritation. It can also be the symptom of an eye infection commonly known as Conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis is an infection or inflammation of the membrane that covers the white part of the eye (conjunctiva) and inside of the lids. Symptoms are discomfort, redness and excessive mucus discharge. However, some mucus discharge is indeed normal and can often be related to long bouts of staring at a computer screen, contact lens wear, allergens or outside irritants like wind, dust or smoke.
Gooey Discharge
Symptoms of eye mucus are exactly what it sounds like; if you find yourself feeling like your eyes are filled with mucus and you are constantly wiping the gooey discharge from your eyes, you have eye mucus. Most people can relate to this sensation right after waking up. Usually your eyes are crusted from excessive mucus while you slept. But many people deal with it more often. Mucus, although many people are unaware, can be caused by a combination of an inadequate diet and vitamin intake. Eat a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables and make sure you get enough vitamin A every day. But if you are currently suffering, there are remedies.
Goo Be Gone!
The first and easiest line of defense is to soak a cloth or paper towel in warm to hot water. Gently press the cloth onto your eye and then wipe softly toward the outside corner of your eye. You may have to repeat several times on each eye. But each time you repeat, change the ends of the cloth or get a new paper towel. Definitely never use the same towel or paper towel on both eyes. If your eyes are just irritated this should help somewhat. If an infection is present, this probably won't work.
Remove Environmental Culprits
Investigate your environment. It may be the culprit of your eye irritation. If you find that you are constantly digging for mucus while at work. It may be your computer screen in which case you can request a plastic cover from your employer for the monitor screen. This may help with eye strain by reducing glare. If you have an office with strong fluorescent lighting, this could also be irritating your eyes. Try to take walks outside as much as you can. If the air is dusty in the office, washing your eyes with a hot cloth should help and maintaining a healthy diet that includes lots of vitamin A and water may also help. If it is dust, try an over the counter mild allergy medication. Be careful because these can also dry the eye irritating them further.
Grandma Knows Best
Eye mucus is often a symptom of the beginnings of pink eye which can sometimes be treated before it is a full blown infection. Grandmas have been recommending home remedies to sooth irritated eyes for years. One good one is a Jasmine flowers in distilled water solution. Fill a glass jar with distilled water and ten Jasmine flowers. Cover and leave the solution to soak overnight. In the morning, use one of the flowers as a dropper of the water solution into each eye. Repeat in each eye until they are filled with the solution. This should be done for three days consecutively after which you should be cured. Another good solution is to soak cotton gauze pads for 10 minutes in witch hazel. Then treat your eys with the pads. Allow your eyes to sit with these pads for several minutes or until dry. With either of these treatments, if the discharge worsens or the symproms persist, you should visit an eye doctor.
A Golden Solution
Goldenseal extract is a wonderful home remedy. Gently and carefully wash each eye with diluted alcohol-free goldenseal extract or cool goldenseal tea. After a couple of days your symptoms should lessen. If they do not, see a an eye doctor. Caution: Do not use goldenseal if you are pregnant or have allergies to ragweed.
Tools for Healing
You should notice changes in your eye discharge if you make minor adjustments to your diet and environment and treat the eyes with home remedies. Again, always get a good night's sleep. Remove the irritants from your environment. Get up and walk away from the computer screen as often as possible. Wash your hands before touching your face and watch your diet and nutrition. If the mucus becomes worse or impedes your vision, it is most likely due to a health problem or an infection and should not be left untreated.
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