Waking up with crusty eyes or noticing a persistent buildup of eye discharge throughout the day can be concerning, leading many to ask, Why do I have so much rheum? Rheum, commonly known as eye mucus or sleep, is a natural secretion that helps protect and lubricate the eyes. While occasional rheum is normal, excessive or abnormal discharge can indicate underlying eye conditions, infections, or lifestyle factors. Understanding what causes increased rheum, when it might signal a health issue, and how to manage it is essential for maintaining eye health and comfort.
What Is Rheum?
Rheum is a combination of mucus, oil, skin cells, and other debris that accumulates in the corners of the eyes. During the day, blinking and tears help wash away these substances, but at night, when blinking is reduced, rheum can collect and become noticeable upon waking. The amount, consistency, and color of rheum can vary depending on several factors, including hydration, environment, and overall eye health.
Functions of Rheum
- Traps dust, bacteria, and other ptopics to prevent eye irritation or infection.
- Helps lubricate the eyes by mixing with tears and natural oils.
- Assists in flushing out dead skin cells and debris from the eye surface.
While a small amount of rheum is part of the eye’s natural cleaning process, excessive discharge may indicate an imbalance or problem in the eye’s protective mechanisms.
Common Causes of Excessive Rheum
Several factors can contribute to increased eye discharge, ranging from benign conditions to infections that require medical attention. Understanding these causes can help identify why rheum production has increased.
Allergies
Eye allergies, caused by pollen, dust, pet dander, or other irritants, can lead to watery, sticky, or stringy rheum. Allergic reactions trigger inflammation in the eyes, causing them to produce more mucus as a defense mechanism. Allergic eye discharge is often accompanied by redness, itching, and swelling.
Infections
Eye infections are a common cause of increased rheum. The type of infection influences the appearance and amount of discharge
- Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)Bacterial or viral conjunctivitis can cause thick yellow or green mucus along with redness, irritation, and swelling.
- Bacterial InfectionsOften result in sticky, yellow, or green discharge, sometimes causing the eyelids to stick together upon waking.
- Viral InfectionsTend to produce watery or clear discharge but can still increase overall rheum production.
Blocked Tear Ducts
When tear ducts are partially or completely blocked, tears and mucus cannot drain properly, leading to excessive rheum. This condition may be congenital in children or develop in adults due to infections, injuries, or age-related changes. Blocked tear ducts can cause persistent tearing, irritation, and sticky eyes.
Dry Eyes
Although it may seem counterintuitive, dry eyes can produce more mucus as a protective response. When the eyes lack sufficient lubrication, the mucous layer compensates by increasing production, leading to thick or stringy rheum. Dry eye can result from aging, environmental factors, prolonged screen use, or certain medications.
Environmental Factors
Exposure to smoke, dust, wind, or pollutants can irritate the eyes, triggering increased mucus production. Seasonal changes and air quality may also influence rheum levels. People living in dry or polluted environments often notice more morning eye discharge.
Contact Lens Use
Wearing contact lenses can increase eye mucus production, especially if lenses are worn for extended periods or not cleaned properly. Irritation from lenses or protein buildup can stimulate the eyes to produce more rheum as a protective measure. Proper lens hygiene and limiting wear time can help reduce excessive discharge.
When Rheum May Signal a Serious Problem
While most cases of increased rheum are benign, certain signs suggest a more serious underlying condition that requires medical attention. Seek prompt evaluation if rheum is accompanied by
- Severe redness or swelling of the eye
- Persistent or worsening pain
- Sudden changes in vision, such as blurriness or loss of sight
- Thick yellow, green, or bloody discharge
- Swelling of the eyelids or surrounding tissue
- Fever or systemic illness alongside eye symptoms
These signs may indicate bacterial infections, eye injuries, or systemic health issues that require professional treatment.
Managing and Reducing Excess Rheum
There are several steps you can take to reduce excessive eye discharge and maintain healthy eyes
Good Eye Hygiene
- Gently clean away morning discharge with a warm, damp cloth to prevent irritation.
- Avoid rubbing the eyes, which can worsen irritation or spread infection.
- Wash hands frequently, especially before touching the eyes or contact lenses.
Address Underlying Conditions
- Use antihistamine eye drops or oral medications for allergies under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
- Follow prescribed treatment for bacterial or viral infections, such as antibiotic or antiviral eye drops.
- Manage dry eyes with artificial tears or lubricating eye drops recommended by an eye care professional.
Environmental Adjustments
- Use air purifiers to reduce exposure to dust and pollutants.
- Humidify indoor spaces to prevent dryness that can increase mucus production.
- Limit exposure to smoke, wind, and other irritants when possible.
Contact Lens Care
- Follow proper lens hygiene and replace lenses according to recommended schedules.
- Consider using daily disposable lenses if regular cleaning is challenging.
- Consult an eye care professional if lens-related irritation persists.
Excessive rheum, while often harmless, can result from allergies, infections, dry eyes, blocked tear ducts, environmental factors, or contact lens use. Understanding the causes of increased eye discharge helps in managing symptoms effectively and maintaining eye health. Good hygiene, addressing underlying conditions, and making lifestyle or environmental adjustments can reduce rheum production. However, persistent, thick, or discolored discharge accompanied by pain or vision changes should be evaluated by an eye care professional to rule out serious conditions. By recognizing the reasons behind excessive rheum, individuals can take proactive steps to protect their eyes and maintain comfort and clear vision.