Many eye conditions cause eye drainage or discharge. In some people the drainage improves quickly on its own, though other people may experience additional symptoms worsening drainage. A person with changes in eye comfort or vision should contact an eye doctor immediately. The doctor will want to know the symptoms, as well as specific details on the type of eye discharge. This information will help determine the cause and treatment for the condition.
Watery
A thin, watery discharge from the eyes commonly indicates dry eye. Dry eye often occurs when the eye cannot make enough tears to keep the eye's surface lubricated. For many people, this causes the eye to be red and feel irritated. In response to the irritation, the eye over-produces tears, causing the eyes to water, says the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Once the watery tears fill the eye, the excess will overflow and wash out the lubricating tears on the surface of the eye. For tearing caused by dry eye, a person may want to try using artificial tears. Other conditions that may cause watery eyes include allergies, infection or a foreign body in the eye.
Stringy
Some people have a form of eye drainage that appears stringy. The natural tears of the eye have three layers: an oil layer, a water layer and a mucus layer. If the tears do not have the proper balance, they cannot adequately nourish and lubricate the eye. Also, if the tears have an imbalance in the water layer, the oil and mucus layers touch, which causes a stringy form of eye drainage, says MayoClinic.com. During an examination, an eye doctor can look at the tear film on the eye and often determine the quality and whether the stringy discharge results from a poor tear film. Artificial tears may help improve the tear film, though the eye doctor may perform testing to determine if an oral medication or a disease may have caused the changes in tear film quality.
Thick Eye Discharge
Thick eye discharge may result from an eye infection, such as conjunctivitis, also known as "pink eye." Conjunctivitis occurs when a virus, bacteria or outside factor inflames the white, outer lining of the eye. In addition to discharge, the eye will often appear red, and a person will experience itching, swelling and irritation says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Though the infection often improves on its own, a person may want to see an eye doctor to determine if she can use an eye drop to relieve the symptoms. Thick eye drainage in conjunctivitis typically indicates a bacterial infection, and doctors may prescribe an antibiotic eye drop.
