The white discharge from the eye can indicate various underlying conditions. Irritation of the eye essentially causes excessive tearing and minor discharge. Once the discharge is excessive or accompanied with other symptoms such as eye pain and blurry vision, an eye examination is required in order to prevent any permanent vision problems.
It is important to note that certain eye conditions that are minor can be easily managed at home. All you have to do is to register for first aid training today. As for severe cases, a doctor should be consulted for proper assessment and treatment.
Eye conditions linked with white discharge
The white discharge from the eye can indicate an eye infection. The color of the discharge is one of the contributing factors that can help the doctor determine the type of infection. Bacterial infections usually present as green-colored, thick discharge while a white discharge from the eye can indicate a viral infection.
Take note that this is not a definitive rule since there are variations that exist between individuals as well as different infectious processes. When it comes to ocular allergies, they are usually linked with watery eyes and a stringy discharge that can be white in color or clear. The eye naturally waters excessively during irritation or trauma while a white discharge can also occur as a response to this condition.
Diagnosing and treating the condition
An eye examination will help determine the underlying cause of the white discharge from the eye. In case a foreign body is present in the eye, you have to use the prescribed eye wash as the initial step. Debris and material that have been embedded in the ocular surface should be removed by a doctor.
Various factors can cause the inflammation of the eyelid that leads to discharge. For severe cases, anti-inflammatory eye drops and lubricating eye drops are used. Ocular allergies and dry eye syndrome usually lead to the inflammation of the eye. The symptoms can be reduced by making changes in the environment such as avoiding dusty conditions and avoiding allergens. Those who use contact lens should remove the lenses if they suffer from unusual symptoms of discharge.
Other considerations to bear in mind
It is important to note that there are also accompanying symptoms that can occur along with the white discharge from the eye. The simultaneous cold symptoms as well as sinus congestion might be underlying causes and should be addressed first.
In case the individual has been exposed to others who have eye infections, it can indicate a contagious onset. If the individual sleeps with contact lenses on, it often leads to inflammation which puts the eye at risk for bacterial infection. Ocular itching is an indication that allergies are involved. There are also environmental allergy factors that must be addressed if the white discharge and itchiness are present. It is best to consult a doctor for prompt intervention when new or unusual eye symptoms persist.