Discharge in the corners of the eyes in a child and adult: causes, how to treat

Minor discharge from the eyes that we may observe in the morning after waking up is natural and should not be a cause for concern. In this way, our eyes get rid of dust particles that accumulate during the day. Light discharge from the eyes normally accumulates in the area of the inner corner of the eye, it does not cause discomfort, disappears after washing and practically does not appear during the day.

In case of pathology, discharge from the eyes can be dark, abundant, thick consistency. They cause a lot of inconvenience to a person and indicate the presence of a certain eye disease.

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Causes eye discharge

The main factor that provokes the appearance of copious discharge from the eyes is the immune response against pathogenic microorganisms. The color and nature of the discharge depends on the degree of the inflammatory process, the patient's immune defense, and the specifics of the pathogen.

Causes of eye discharge:

1. Viral bacterial infections that enter the body from the outside. Often occur shortly after swimming in a polluted sea, lake or pool.
2. Demodex (eyelash mite).
3. Viral and bacterial eye infections of endogenous (internal origin). Occur as a complication of rhinitis, sinusitis, chlamydia.
4. Eye injuries, penetration of foreign particles.
5. Use of low quality cosmetics (mascara, eyeliner).
6. Improper care of contact lenses, use after the expiration date of the lenses.
7. Allergy.

Risk factors

Discharge in the corners of the eyes may appear in women after using low-quality decorative cosmetics and unwashed makeup brushes. Also, eyelash care procedures performed by an unqualified specialist without sterile gloves can cause the development of conjunctivitis. You should not wear or try on glasses of a person with conjunctivitis, as the risk of transmitting the disease is quite high. You can also become infected with demodicosis.

Another factor is contact between the mucous membrane of the eye and dirty hands. Often this route of infection is common among children and agricultural workers.

Diving with your eyes open can cause conjunctivitis, especially in hot weather and in fresh water.

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Symptoms

The first signs of the disease appear 4-6 hours after infection. In some cases, the disease occurs within 24 hours.

The patient complains of itching, redness of the eyelids, swelling, discomfort or pain in the eyes. After the first symptoms appear, specific discharge begins to appear. In some cases, the eye may dry out, in other cases, tearing is observed.

Eye diseases of allergic etiology occur almost immediately after contact with an allergen. Statistics show that the most common sources of allergic conjunctivitis are dust and pollen. In this case, the patient complains of discharge from the nose and eyes, sneezing and itching. The acute inflammatory process can be accompanied by an increase in temperature to 38 degrees and symptoms of general malaise. During this period, work capacity decreases, infectious eye diseases can temporarily reduce the clarity of vision.

Discharge from the eyes of a child

A child may have discharge from the eyes immediately after birth. This disease is called blenorrhea. The child becomes infected during passage through the mother's birth canal. As a preventive measure, the newborn's eyes are given special antibiotic drops.

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Forms

The nature and color of eye discharge may indicate the underlying cause of the disease.

1. Purulent discharge from the eyes

They appear during bacterial infections.

2. Mucous discharge from the eyes

Accompany viral infections and allergic reactions.

3. Bloody discharge from the eyes

Observed in acute conjunctivitis. Large styes may also bleed.

4. Thread-like discharge from the eyes

They appear with filamentous keratitis and very rarely against the background of allergic conjunctivitis. In these cases, the normal functioning of the sebaceous glands is disrupted. The contents accumulate in them and come to the surface in the form of threads.

5. White discharge from eyes

Most often, mucous consistency is a symptom of a viral infection. A number of symptoms occur: increased lacrimation, redness, a feeling of dryness or a feeling of "sand in the eyes". White discharge may first appear in one eye or in both at once. It is observed in conjunctivitis of the eyes of viral etiology and as one of the symptoms of acute respiratory viral infections. Sometimes white discharge from the eyes can be a symptom of chlamydia.

6. Yellow discharge from eyes

Usually thick or dense consistency, which spreads at the place where the eyelids close, dries up and forms a dense yellow crust. This crust glues the eyelids and eyelashes, so the patient cannot always open the eyes in the morning without first washing them. They can also form a cloudy film, which makes vision slightly blurry and unclear. Such discharge appears when the immune defense is strengthened in response to the introduction of pathogenic bacteria causing bacterial conjunctivitis, or fungi - as a symptom of fungal keratitis.

7. Brown discharge from eyes

Cinnamon discharge from the eyes may appear after yellow discharge if the eyes are not treated. The initial appearance of brown discharge from the eyes indicates a bacterial infection of the nasolacrimal canal. In this case, its inflammation, obstruction and stagnation of mucus occur, which appear on the surface of the eye in the form of brown and thick purulent drops.

8. Black discharge from eyes

Black discharge from the eyes occurs in very rare cases. Most often, it occurs in people who work around coal or soot, such as miners. Particles of earth and dust also give the discharge from the eyes a dark shade.

9. Green discharge from eyes

Green discharge appears with serious bacterial eye damage, most often in advanced conditions. Green discharge is pus, which indicates a strong inflammatory process of the mucous membrane of the eye. Such a disease as barley can also be accompanied by the release of greenish purulent contents.

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Diagnostics eye discharge

Diagnostics includes anamnesis, examination, instrumental and laboratory research methods.

The patient provides information about the presence of eye injuries, allergies, and informs about all possible factors.

During the examination, the ophthalmologist evaluates the condition of the eye slit, eyelids, and conjunctiva. The doctor examines the area of the lacrimal sac and gently presses on it. The flow of pus from the lacrimal sac when pressed is called dacryocystitis. Next, the eyeball is examined for pathological changes, and the condition of the periorbital region is also taken into account.

After the examination, they proceed to the instrumental diagnostic method - biomicroscopy. Biomicroscopy allows you to identify pathological changes in the eye, detect even the smallest foreign particles and determine the extent of the pathological process. A slit lamp is used for the study.

The next stage is the assessment of visual acuity. Visometry is carried out using a special Sivtsev table. The table shows letters in descending order: from lines with large print to lines with small print. The table is read line by line from top to bottom. Visual acuity is checked first on the right eye, then on the left eye.

Laboratory diagnostic methods include examination of a smear from the eye under a microscope and culture of conjunctival discharge.

The smear is taken in the morning. The samples for bacterial culture are collected using a special cotton swab, and the material for microscopy is collected using a sterile microbiological loop.

The patient is prohibited from washing and using decorative cosmetics before the procedure. The use of any medications is stopped 24 hours before the procedure.

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Differential diagnosis

It is carried out to exclude other non-infectious pathologies, such as an acute attack of glaucoma, cataracts.

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Treatment eye discharge

After the diagnosis is clarified, treatment begins. Treatment of eye discharge is performed by an ophthalmologist.

In case of allergic eye damage, it is necessary to isolate the patient from exposure to the allergen and prescribe a course of antihistamines.

Allergodil in the form of eye drops is prescribed for the prevention and treatment of allergic conjunctivitis. The drug relieves swelling of the eyelids, a feeling of dryness, has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. Eye drops are used to prevent the occurrence of allergies if contact with an allergen can be foreseen. Prescribed to adults and children over 4 years old, 1 drop in each eye 2 times a day (morning and evening). With the consent of the attending physician, the frequency of use can be increased. Allergodil is well tolerated by patients and is suitable for long-term use. Contraindication to taking the drug is individual intolerance to the components.

To treat bacterial eye infections, eye drops containing an antibiotic are used.

Ciprofloxacin is a drug from the quinolone series. The bactericidal effect is due to the effect on the genetic apparatus of bacteria. The drug is effective against gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms. Indications for use are superficial eye infections and corneal ulcers. Apply 1-2 drops in each eye 2-3 times a day for 5 days.

Tobrex is an eye drop with a broad-spectrum antibiotic, has a bacteriostatic effect. Indications for use are infectious lesions of the retina, eyelids and conjunctiva. It is also used in the postoperative period to prevent complications. Adults and children over 6 years old are prescribed 1-2 drops in the conjunctival sac 3-4 times a day. The drug is well tolerated by patients. Allergy to the components of the drug occurs in case of individual intolerance. The course of treatment is 5-6 days.

Oxolinic ointment is an effective antiviral agent. It is used to treat eyes against the background of flu, acute respiratory viral infections and herpes simplex virus. Adults and children are prescribed to apply the ointment behind the eyelid 2-3 times a day for 5 days. The drug has no contraindications. The duration of administration is agreed with the attending physician.

Vitamins

Vitamins are used as an accompanying treatment for eye pathologies. In the pharmacy, you can buy multivitamin complexes and bioactive supplements to improve vision. These drugs include blueberry extract, lutein and fat-soluble vitamins. Among all the vitamins for vision, vitamin A plays an important role. Retinol has high biological activity, improves photoreception, night vision and increases visual acuity. Taking vitamin preparations increases the body's endurance and helps to recover in the postoperative period.

Physiotherapy

The use of electrophoresis in physiotherapy allows enhancing the effect of drugs. The use of electrophoresis with aloe extract improves intraocular blood circulation, has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.

The use of electrophoresis with a penicillin solution effectively combats the manifestations of blepharitis, keratitis and conjunctivitis.

CMV therapy (centimeter therapy) has a therapeutic effect due to the use of an electromagnetic field of a certain frequency. Low-intensity waves have an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect, accelerate metabolism and restore damaged structures, improve tissue trophism and normalize blood circulation.

UHF therapy is used to treat barley, dacryocystitis and keratitis. Ultra-high frequency currents have a thermal effect, relieve inflammation and tissue swelling.

Folk remedies

1. Tea

Freshly brewed black tea has always been used to treat eye discharge. Tea is one of the most powerful antioxidants, has a mild anti-inflammatory effect, removes redness from the eyes and cleanses them from discharge and crusts. Tea will help in the case when redness and discharge appeared after dust got into them. If there is an infection in the eyes, tea can clean them, but for treatment it is necessary to use pharmaceutical preparations.

2. Aloe juice

Aloe juice is used to treat chronic conjunctivitis. For treatment, it is better to use natural juice, which is squeezed from the leaf. Mix a teaspoon of aloe juice with 10 spoons of lukewarm boiled water. Instill 1-2 drops of the solution into the conjunctival sac 3 times a day. Wipe the upper and lower eyelids and corners of the eyes with the same solution. Use a clean cotton pad for each eye. The finished mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than two days. The course of treatment is 15-20 days.

3. Propolis

For the third recipe, you need to buy natural propolis. It is better to prepare propolis water in the evening so that it can steep well overnight. A piece of propolis must be thoroughly crushed in such a quantity that you get 1 teaspoon of propolis (no more than 5 grams). Pour 100 ml of boiled warm water into an enamel container with propolis, mix well with a spoon and leave overnight. In the morning, the propolis must be squeezed out, the water must be filtered several times through gauze. The water is stored in the refrigerator. The product is instilled 1-2 drops in each eye 3 times a day. In the first days of treatment with propolis, you can feel a slight burning or tingling in the eyes. In parallel with local treatment, it is necessary to chew honeycombs daily for 15 minutes 2 times a day. A contraindication to this type of treatment is an allergy to honey and other bee products.

4. Furacilin

A weak solution of furacilin is an excellent remedy for combating mild forms of bacterial conjunctivitis. To prepare the solution, 1 tablet must be crushed to a powder state and dissolved in 200 ml of warm water. Wait 5 minutes for undissolved particles of the drug to settle to the bottom. A clean cotton pad is moistened with a warm solution and the eyes are wiped 4-5 times a day. A separate cotton pad must be used for each eye. The course of treatment is 2-4 days.

Read this article to find out how to properly rinse your eyes with furacilin solution.

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Herbal treatment

1. Echinacea

Echinacea is a powerful immunomodulator, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent, so it is used to treat acute and chronic diseases.

To prepare the decoction, use the roots of Echinacea, which must first be crushed. A tablespoon of Echinacea is poured with a glass of hot water and infused in a water bath for 30-40 minutes. After a couple of hours, when the decoction has cooled, the roots are squeezed out and the decoction is filtered. Echinacea is used internally 1-3 tablespoons 4 times a day. For external use, use lotions and wipe the eyes 3-4 times a day.

2. Collection of linden, chamomile and calendula

Mix the herbs in equal parts. Take 2-3 tablespoons of the mixture per 400 ml of water. Pour boiling water over the mixture and leave it to infuse under a lid for 2-3 hours. When the infusion has cooled, strain it and squeeze out the grass. Take 100 ml 30 minutes before meals 4 times a day. Use the infusion for eye washing and lotions. Use only warm.

3. Eyebright

This plant is used to treat various eye diseases, including conjunctivitis. A tablespoon of eyebright herb is poured with 400 ml of water and infused under a closed lid for 1.5 - 2 hours. When the infusion has cooled, it must be filtered, the herb squeezed out. The infusion is used to wipe the eyes (4 times a day) and eye lotions (3 times a day for 15 minutes on both eyes).

Homeopathy

1. Hepar sulfur (sulfur liver) is a homeopathic preparation based on a compound of sulfur and calcium. The drug is used to treat eye diseases that are accompanied by abundant purulent discharge, pain and discomfort. The dosage is selected by a doctor, but most often small and medium dosages are used. It is released in the form of rubbing and granules. Take 6-8 granules 3-4 times a day. Hepar sulfur is a non-toxic compound that is well tolerated by patients. Contraindication to use is individual intolerance to the drug.
2. Argentum nitritikum (moonstone) is a silver nitrate preparation. Silver is a good antiseptic, so it is prescribed for the treatment of chronic bacterial infection. The preparation also improves the restoration of damaged tissues and prevents the addition of a secondary bacterial infection. Medium doses are used. 5-6 granules are taken orally 4 times a day for a month. Contraindications to taking the preparation are allergies to metal and intolerance to silver nitrate.
3. Euphrasia (starry eyebright) is a homeopathic preparation based on plant materials. It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and soothing effects. It relieves the feeling of dryness and eye strain, eliminates redness, and stops lacrimation. Small and medium dilutions are used for therapeutic purposes. The preparation is well tolerated and has no contraindications.
4. Rhus toxicodendron is an effective drug for the treatment of eye infections that are accompanied by the release of pus. Indications for use are pain in the eyes and the inability to open the eyes in the morning after waking up. Small doses of the drug are used for treatment, since the plant is poisonous. Contraindicated in case of individual intolerance.

Surgical treatment

Surgical treatment of eye discharge is prescribed in extreme cases when conservative treatment is ineffective.

In chronic dacryocystitis, dacryocystorhinostomy is performed. During this operation, the surgeon creates a duct connecting the lacrimal sac and the nasal cavity. Thanks to this duct, the contents of the lacrimal sac will pass into the nasal cavity, and not accumulate in the lacrimal sac.

Prevention

Prevention of eye diseases includes personal hygiene, balanced nutrition, and even alternation of rest and work. At the first symptoms of eye diseases, it is necessary to consult a doctor to avoid further complications.

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Forecast

Eye discharge is easy to treat if you see a doctor in time and choose the right medications. Prevention will help avoid relapses and maintain normal vision for a long time.

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