Sticky Eyes

Does it often happen that when you get up in the morning, your eyes are stuck and you cannot open them entirely? These are probably “sticky eyes”. The cause of this is usually an allergic reaction or a cold, but it can also be an eye condition such as stye, blepharitis, conjunctivitis, chronic dry eye.

What exactly are “sticky eyes”?

It is mucus from the eye that has a sticky texture like a hardened liquid. According to medical research, waking up with this kind of mucus from the eye is completely normal, because we do not blink while sleeping, all the fluid collects in front of the eye. Most often this is not a worrying condition, but it can be caused by other eye conditions. If “sticky eyes” appear for a long time, it is best to visit an ophthalmologist to see if it is another eye condition.

Blepharitis is a condition of the eyelids that makes them red, irritated and swollen. Blepharitis can be recognized by visual symptoms, i.e. swelling, itching and red eyelids or yellowish dandruff on the lashes themselves. If blepharitis is not treated properly it can cause other eye problems like dry eye, infection, eyelash loss etc.

Treatment:

• Rinsing the eyes with lukewarm water every night and every morning.
• Cleaning the eyelids
• Artificial tears

Conjunctivitis also known as pink eye can be recognized by the following symptoms: swelling of the conjunctiva or eyelid, pink or red color of the eyelid, constant itching of the eye, feeling as if there is a foreign body in the eye, constant tearing of the eyes, difficult to put on contact lenses.

Conjunctivitis is most often caused by a bacteria, an allergy or a virus.

The treatment of conjunctivitis is different, depending on the condition. It is therefore best to consult an online doctor to explain how to treat your conjunctivitis.

Stye is an inflammation of the sebaceous glands of the upper or lower eyelid. It appears in the form of a painful growth on the edges of the eyelid, which is created naturally and can last 7 to 10 days. Stye is usually soothed without treatment. However, in certain cases it is advisable to have an examination by an ophthalmologist, if:

• They stye does not settle after 10 days;
• Grows fast;
• A lot of blood is shed from the growth;
• The swelling is greater than normal stye.

The examination is a general ophthalmological examination where the eyelids and the stye itself are seen in detail. If our ophthalmologists decide that stye removal is necessary, surgery is performed.

Chronic dry eye is created when the eye does not secrete enough tears. If you have chronic dry eye, you will feel constant scratching of the eye, tingling, constant tearing of the eyes, blurred vision, redness in the eye.

Treatment for chronic dry eye can begin with artificial tears, which will be recommended by your ophthalmologist.

Sticky eyes can go away on their own, but if you feel you cannot open your eyes, then take a warm clean towel and wipe your eyes gently.

The heat of the water will clear the hardened mucus that prevents you from opening your eyes.

Sticky eyes are not always dangerous to the eye, but the condition that caused them can damage some part of the eye. If you feel scratching, dryness, redness in the eye and your eyes are sticky in the morning and evening, it is time to make an online consultation or visit our ophthalmologists.