Crusty eyes occur when discharge from the eye dries on the lids, lashes, or corners of the eye, creating a crusty or sticky effect. Discharge happens during sleep but can also indicate dry eye, an allergic reaction, or an infection.

A small amount of discharge in the corners of the eyes is normal. However, sometimes eye discharge is a symptom of an eye infection or health condition.

A person should seek medical attention if their eye produces a large amount of discharge, green, yellow, or white discharge, or is swollen.

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People may refer to the small amount of discharge the eyes produce during the night as “sleep,” or “sleepy eye.” This tiny pebble-like residue found in the corners of the eyes is not a cause for concern, as it is part of the eye’s protective barrier.

The eye produces a small amount of mucus and oils to stay moist. However, during sleep, when a person is not blinking, the discharge can collect in the corners. The discharge can be crusty, sticky, thick, thin, white, transparent, or slightly yellow.

Typically, a person with little sleep in their eyes upon waking does not require medical treatment unless they have other symptoms.

Treatment

The treatment for crusty eyes will depend on the underlying cause. A person will need to see a doctor for the exact diagnosis and correct treatment.

Most doctors will treat crusty eyes with medication that fits the condition, such as:

If medication does not work for someone who has a stye or a blocked tear duct, a doctor may recommend surgery.

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is another common cause of crusty eyes. Viral or bacterial infection can cause pink eye.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), viral pink eye usually improves in 1–2 weeks. However, bacterial pink eye requires antibiotics.

Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are contagious, so a person with this condition should wash their hands thoroughly and avoid touching their eyes. The symptoms of conjunctivitis include:

  • pink, red, or puffy eyes
  • itchy or burning eyes
  • watery eyes
  • white, yellow, or green fluid discharge
  • crust along the eyelids or eyelashes

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), eye infections in babies can be severe. A parent or carer who notices these symptoms in a newborn should call a doctor immediately.

Allergic conjunctivitis has symptoms similar to viral or bacterial eye infections, but it results from an allergic reaction instead. Common allergens that cause eye symptoms include pollen, pet dander, and dust mites.

The symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis include:

  • itchy eyes
  • watery eyes
  • eye discharge
  • swelling
  • symptoms in both eyes

People with allergies may find that their eyes produce more discharge when their symptoms flare up. When that discharge dries, the eye area may become crusty or sticky.

If a person suspects an allergy, they should speak to a doctor to determine what they might be allergic to. Over-the-counter (OTC) artificial tears and allergy medications can ease itching and eye dryness.

A person washing their face and changing clothes when coming in from outside will also reduce pollen exposure.

If a person’s eyes do not produce enough tears, this may also cause crusty eyes. According to the AAO, dry eye causes:

It may seem counterintuitive that dry eye would cause more tears. However, this results from the eye overcompensating for the dryness by producing more moisture than usual.

The AAO advises that people with dry eyes see an ophthalmologist for an eye exam. They may also recommend hydrating eye drops and avoiding irritants, including environmental triggers such as cigarette smoke.

The AAO describes a stye as an inflamed oil gland on the rim of the eyelid that can cause crusty eyes. A stye looks similar to a pimple and produces:

  • redness
  • swelling
  • discharge

To treat a stye, a person should apply a dry warm compress to the area several times daily. This will help drain the blocked pore. In some cases, a doctor might prescribe an antibiotic ointment, drops, or a topical steroid to accelerate healing.

If a stye does not respond to these treatments, a doctor may surgically drain the stye. In rare cases, an untreated stye leads to infection in other parts of the eye.

A blocked tear duct occurs when something obstructs the eye’s drainage system. This means tears cannot drain from the eye, causing watery, irritated eyes, which can sometimes lead to an eye infection.

The following symptoms include:

  • eye mucus discharge
  • crusty eyelashes and eyelids
  • swelling, tenderness, and redness
  • blurred vision
  • blood-tinged tears
  • fever

The AAO also says that an ophthalmologist should check for a blockage in someone with symptoms of a blocked tear duct and flush the eye out with fluid.

If the ophthalmologist suspects the blockage is due to an infection, they may prescribe antibiotics. If the blockage keeps returning, a person may need surgery to widen the tear ducts.

Blocked tear ducts in babies

Babies may have blocked tear ducts during the first few years. Newborns, in particular, are prone to this condition because their tear ducts are less developed.

The blocked duct usually produces a sticky yellow or white substance along the eye, sometimes making it difficult for babies to open their eyes.

Sometimes, the baby’s eye will become infected or irritated by the blocked tear duct and will need treatment from a doctor.

A person should use a damp cotton ball to clean each eye. This will prevent the spread of an infection from one eye to the other.

For most newborns, the ducts will open independently within a few months. If necessary, a doctor can irrigate the duct during this time to help with symptoms. They can also show new parents a facial massage technique, encouraging the ducts to open and allowing the tears to drain away.

Blepharitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the eyelids. Other symptoms include:

  • redness
  • swelling
  • burning or soreness
  • oily particles or crust along the eyelids and lashes

All people have bacteria and other microorganisms on their skin. However, according to the American Optometric Association, people with blepharitis may have more bacteria near the lash line than others or have an inflammatory reaction to them where others do not.

This condition is sometimes caused by invisible mites called Demodex folliculorum or flaky skin conditions, such as dandruff.

A person with blepharitis can manage the symptoms through good eye hygiene and, if appropriate, by treating the underlying cause. For example, if dandruff is causing blepharitis, treating the dandruff will improve symptoms.

Fungal and herpes keratitis can also cause the eye to produce a crusty discharge. Numerous infections of the eye have similar symptoms, such as:

  • eye pain
  • redness
  • blurry vision
  • swelling
  • sensitivity to light
  • eye discharge

It is important to have an eye exam to understand and treat the above symptoms.

A person with symptoms of an eye condition must seek medical help to get the proper treatment. This is especially true for infants with eye symptoms.

However, while waiting for the condition to improve, there are a few ways to manage crusty or sticky eyes at home.

  • Practising good hygiene: Good eye hygiene may help improve crusty eyes. To wash the eyes, dilute baby shampoo (or other gentle soap you can tolerate) with warm water and gently apply it along the eyelashes, gently scrubbing for 15 seconds and then rinsing.
  • Washing hands: If a person is unsure what type of eye condition they have or has a contagious infection, they should wash their hands for 20 seconds after touching the eye area. They should also not share or reuse washcloths, towels, or cotton wool that have touched the area.
  • Relieving symptoms: To relieve symptoms of pink eye, dry eye, or styes, a person should use warm compresses and OTC eye drops for hydration. Pain medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen may help with pain or swelling, but will not treat an active infection.
  • Avoiding contact lenses and makeup: A person with an eye infection should avoid contact lenses and only use a fresh pair once the infection has cleared. They should also avoid using eye makeup and false eyelashes while they have an eye condition.

Eye hygiene is the main way to prevent crusty eyes. People should wash their eyelids, eyebrows, and areas around the eyes with diluted baby shampoo.

If people wear contact lenses, they should clean their hands before putting them in or taking them out and replacing them regularly.

According to the National Eye Institute, quitting smoking may help reduce the irritation that cigarette smoke can cause to the eyes. This may also reduce the chance of someone developing other eye conditions. For people with allergies, avoiding allergens will improve itchy or crusty eyes.

To prevent eye conditions in babies, a person should:

  • clean their baby’s hands and face often
  • give their baby a facial massage to prevent tears from accumulating in blocked ducts
  • use eye drops if a doctor recommends them
  • ensure the baby’s environment is clean and hygienic
  • changing clothes and washing faces after being outside

Sticky or crusty eyes can happen when discharge from the eye dries on the eyelids, lashes, or corners of the eye. Discharge happens during sleep but can also indicate underlying issues such as dry eye, an allergic reaction, or infections.

To get rid of sticky eyes a person can gently clean the eyelids, practice good eye hygiene, and perhaps contact a doctor if they persist or accompany swelling of the eyelids.

Sticky eyes usually clear up when a person cleans their eyes each morning. However, contact a doctor if sticky eyes persist or have swelling, redness, pain, or itching.

A slight eye discharge is relatively normal, especially after sleeping. However, crusty eyes could also indicate an infection or an allergy. A doctor can make a diagnosis and prescribe the correct medication.

OTC medications and products, such as eye drops, pain medications, warm and cold compresses, and antihistamines, may help improve the symptoms. However, the approach that works best will depend on the root cause.

During the first few months of life, a baby’s eyes are vulnerable to infection and blocked tear ducts. If a baby has crusty eyes, caregivers should immediately seek medical attention.