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What the Yellow Stuff in Your Eyes When You Wake Up Really Means — Explained by Eye Experts

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Seasonal or environmental allergies can make your eyes watery, itchy, and irritated. In response, your tear ducts and glands produce excess mucus, which can appear yellowish when dried overnight.

3. Blocked Tear Ducts

If your tear ducts are partially blocked, your eyes can’t drain tears properly. This causes fluid and mucus to collect in the corners, leading to a thicker discharge that may look yellow or crusty.

4. Blepharitis

This is an inflammation of the eyelids caused by bacteria or oil buildup along the lash line. People with blepharitis often wake up with crusty, yellow flakes on their lashes or corners of their eyes. Regular cleaning and eyelid hygiene can help manage it.5. Dry Eyes

When your eyes don’t produce enough tears, they become dry and irritated. To compensate, the body creates more mucus, which can mix with oil and debris to form visible discharge in the morning.

6. Contact Lens Irritation

Wearing contact lenses too long or sleeping in them can irritate the eyes and lead to excess mucus production. If you notice increased discharge, redness, or discomfort, it’s best to remove your lenses and consult an optometrist.How to Keep Your Eyes Clean and Healthy

Keeping your eyes clean is simple, but consistency matters. Here are some safe, effective ways to reduce morning eye discharge and prevent irritation:

Clean Your Eyes Gently

Use a clean, damp cloth or sterile cotton pad to wipe the corners of your eyes each morning. Always use a separate cloth for each eye to avoid spreading bacteria.Maintain Eyelid Hygiene

Wash your eyelids with mild baby shampoo or a special lid scrub to remove oil and debris that can clog glands and cause discharge.

Avoid Touching or Rubbing Your Eyes

Your hands carry germs that can easily transfer to your eyes, increasing the risk of infection or irritation.

Change Pillowcases Frequently

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