Why is there consistently thick discharge from the corner of the eye?

Constant sticky discharge from the corner of the eye may be caused by physiological factors, or conditions such as conjunctivitis or dacryocystitis.

1. Physiological Causes

Regular consumption of spicy, stimulating, or greasy foods, insufficient water intake, frequent熬夜 (staying up late), or excessive eye strain may lead to increased internal body heat, resulting in persistent sticky discharge from the corner of the eye.

2. Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis may result from infections caused by bacteria, viruses, chlamydia, or other pathogenic microorganisms; exposure to foreign substances irritating the eye; or spread of inflammatory reactions from nearby ocular tissues. This condition can cause continuous sticky discharge from the eye corner, along with symptoms such as itching, stabbing pain, burning sensation, and a feeling of foreign body in the eye.

3. Dacryocystitis

Nasolacrimal duct narrowing or blockage can cause tears to remain stagnant in the lacrimal sac for prolonged periods, irritating the sac's mucous membrane, triggering an inflammatory response, and leading to bacterial infection—resulting in dacryocystitis. This causes persistent sticky discharge from the eye corner, accompanied by symptoms such as eye swelling, tenderness, and excessive tearing (epiphora).