The eyes respond to conditions that threaten their comfort or health. For many people with eye conditions, the eye will have a discharge that may appear thick or watery, depending on the condition affecting the eye. If a person does not know the cause of the eye drainage, she should contact an eye doctor for an appointment.
Dry Eye
Glands produce tears to lubricate the eye. If the glands fail to produce enough tears, or if the tears produced do not have a good, nourishing quality, the surface of the eye will feel irritated. This condition is called dry eye, a common cause of excessive eye drainage, says the University of Maryland. In response to surface dryness, the glands overproduce tears at such a rate that the eye cannot hold the tears. As a result, the eyes water as the excess tears drain out of the eye. Though this sounds beneficial to the eye, the excess tears wash away the protective layers of tear film on the eye's surface, worsening the condition. Frequent use of artificial tears may help the symptoms.
Allergies
Eye allergies often cause discharge and drainage of the eyes. For most people, the eyes will initially appear red and feel itchy. As irritation increases, the eye will water. Over-the-counter allergy eye drops may help improve symptoms, though some people will need to use a prescription medication. As well, some people may find relief from using refrigerated artificial tears, says the U.S. National Library of Medicine. However, determining the cause of the allergic reaction, whether from pet dander or pollens, may help prevent a reaction.
Infection
Eye infections, such as conjunctivitis, often cause a thick, mucous-like discharge. The drainage from conjunctivitis, a common infection which many people call "pink eye," will usually dry on the eyelids during the night, causing the eyes to stick closed. To loosen the dried matter, place a warm cloth against the eye. After a short time, the person may then open her eye and clean away the drainage. For some, the infection will clear on its own, though many people require a prescription eye drop to resolve the condition.
Foreign Body
Small particles, such as plant matter or dust, for example, often come in contact with the surface of the eye. In response, the eye waters, trying to flush out the foreign material, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. For many people, the particle may cause irritation on contact, but, with help from the tearing from the eye, the discomfort disappears quickly. On occasion the particle may become lodged under the eyelid or on the eye's surface. This requires a visit to the eye doctor for removal. The doctor will put drops in the eye to numb the surface and then use a high powered microscope to determine the location of the foreign body. Once the particle has been removed, the eye may still water for a short time or until the comfort of the eye improves.
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