EYE DISCHARGE (SLEEP CRUST)

Dr. Osazee, an Optometrist, saw a patient (name withheld for privacy). Who complained of itchy, sticky eyes every morning. This person thought it was a minor annoyance, but Dr. Osazee noticed something more.

Upon examination, the optometrist saw a thick, yellowish crust in the corners of the eyes. He diagnosed the patient and explained that the condition is because of an inflammation of the eyelids known as Blepharitis caused by a combination of factors, including poor eye hygiene.

Dr. Osazee explained to the patient that the sleep crust was a sign of the eye’s natural defense mechanism, but the excessive amount indicated an underlying issue (Blepharitis). The eye doctor prescribed a gentle eye cleanser with medications and advised the patient to maintain good eye hygiene.

However, just like this patient, some of us have experienced sleep crust upon waking up in the morning when the eyes seem glued shut or perhaps sometimes notice difficulty opening the eyes, or noticed some whitish or yellowish dry discharge on the corner of the eyes which makes the eyelids Stick together. This could be called eye discharge, Sleep crust, eye gunk, eye goop, etc.

WHAT IS SLEEP CRUST?

Sleep crust, also known as rheum or eye discharge, is a natural, sticky substance that accumulates in the corners of our eyes during sleep. It’s a combination of mucus, Dead cells, Oil from the eyelids, Dust, and debris. They are residues from the eye’s normal protective Process.
This crust or discharge can come in different colors. It could be whitish, greenish, and yellowish or occurs along with pain or redness; a person should speak with a health care professional as this can be a sign of infection. To consult an Optometrist, visit TREETOP VISION EYE CENTRE (TREVEC), the best eye clinic in Utako Abuja.

Check the color of the eye crust today, and in our next post, we will delve into why it is so.

TREVEC CARES!!!