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For the last several months I’ve been waking to what I'd call "excessive rheum" in both eyes -- one more than the other. ("Rheum" is the medical term for the kind of "gunk" that "normally" often collects in the corners of one's eyes.) The problem is that in terms of quantity mine isn't "normal" anymore: there's so much it takes a LOT of effort to get it out of my eye-corners and I'm even fearful of damaging my eyes trying to get it all out (particularly the one with a lot of it). My process is: to, first, take a warm, wet washcloth, let it sit for 1/2 a minute or so over my eyes, and then try to wipe the rheum out as gently as possible. Usually I then have to use a Q-tip to get all of it out.



Any thoughts? Is this just a "normal" part of the aging process? If not,
what kind of eye doctor should I see? Thank you!

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It could be a sign of an infection.

Have you talked to an eye doctor? If not, why not? We can't diagnose you here!

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/eye-discharge
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Reply to Geaton777
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I'd make an appointment with the Opthamologist if it were me. My optometrist was able to diagnose a case of Uveitis in my eyes whereby I had a LOT of rheum in the corners of my eyes, both sides, several times a day. There was also a gritty feeling in my eyes and itchiness. The optometrist prescribed eye drops and eye ointment (antibiotic) called Neomycin and Polymyxin B that helped a lot with the crusty lids. I was eventually referred to the Opthamologist because Uveitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that can last for years. I'm sure that's not your situation as mine arose from cancer treatments. But the ointment is used for many eye issues.

Its not a part of aging to have a situation like you do. Get it checked out right away and good luck!
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Reply to lealonnie1
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Christine44 May 19, 2024
Thank you! Yes, it doesn't seem at all normal. Regards.
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Thanks for responding. Yes, I'll check with my PCP. I've never had any eye problems so I'm not sure what kind of eye doctor is best in this case.
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You can look up a lot of info online:

"What is eye discharge?
Eye discharge, or "sleep" in your eyes, is a combination of mucus, oil, skin cells and other debris that accumulates in the corner of your eye while you sleep. It can be wet and sticky or dry and crusty, depending on how much of the liquid in the discharge has evaporated."

I would not be using a Qtip anywhere but on skin surrounding the eye. If you look at a Qtip that shredded cotton is EXTREMELY abrasive to eye and to the surrounding tissue. This can cause infection or rebound irritation.

Many times this is seasonal and if there are allergies around, blooming things, this can cause excess. Simple rinsing of the face and patting dry is all I would recommend. Avoid eye drops unless ordered by MD or used infrequently. Many have irritants in them (preservatives) that can make this worse.

If worrisome, off you go to the eye doc. Sorry, but you just can't risk eyes in any way, nor treat them wrongly.
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Reply to AlvaDeer
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Christine44 May 19, 2024
Thanks, Alva, for detailed response. I think you're right about the Q-tips. Shouldn't be going anywhere near the eye -- perhaps a cause of further irritation. Kind regards.
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I agree with Geaton you need to see your Doctor and get Eye drops could Be an Infection or allergy . Make sure to dust and wet Mop and wash all your Blankets and get new Pillows . Could be dust Mites .
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Reply to KNance72
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Christine44 May 19, 2024
Thank you.
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Also take a picture before you clean your eyes to show to the doctor .
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Reply to waytomisery
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Christine44 May 19, 2024
Good idea! Thank you.
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