What causes white discharge in the corner of the eye?
Sep 16, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Shuai
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the main causes of white eye discharge include physiological secretion from the eyelid glands, overuse of the eyes, bacterial conjunctivitis, viral conjunctivitis, and dacryocystitis. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation and treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, maintain eye hygiene and avoid rubbing the eyes with hands; reduce eye strain and avoid prolonged use of electronic devices.
Under normal circumstances, the main causes of white eye discharge from the corner of the eye include physiological secretion from eyelid glands, eye strain, bacterial conjunctivitis, viral conjunctivitis, and dacryocystitis. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. Specific analysis is as follows:
1. Physiological Secretion from Eyelid Glands
The meibomian glands in the eyelids continuously secrete oil and mucus. During sleep, these secretions accumulate, resulting in small amounts of white discharge at the corners of the eyes upon waking. Clean the area gently each morning using a cotton swab moistened with warm water to maintain eye hygiene. No special treatment is required.
2. Eye Strain
Prolonged screen time or staying up late can lead to eye fatigue, abnormal tear secretion, and increased glandular secretion, resulting in white eye discharge. Reduce usage time of electronic devices, take a 5-minute break every 40 minutes of screen use, apply warm compresses to the eyes for 10 minutes, and ensure adequate sleep.
Bacterial infection of the conjunctiva causes inflammation, leading to conjunctival redness, swelling, and increased glandular secretion, often producing white, pus-like discharge. Under medical guidance, treatments may include levofloxacin hydrochloride eye drops, tobramycin eye drops, or erythromycin eye ointment. Avoid rubbing the eyes and use personal towels exclusively.
4. Viral Conjunctivitis
Viral infection of the conjunctiva leads to inflammation, follicle formation on the conjunctiva, and white watery or mucous-like discharge, often accompanied by a foreign body sensation. Under medical supervision, treatments may include acyclovir eye drops, ganciclovir ophthalmic gel, or recombinant human interferon α2b eye drops. Avoid close contact with others to prevent transmission.
5. Dacryocystitis
Obstruction of the tear duct causes tear retention, allowing bacterial growth and subsequent inflammation. This results in white discharge from the inner corner of the eye, along with tearing, redness, and swelling. In early stages, treatments under medical guidance may include gatifloxacin eye drops or ofloxacin eye ointment. If medication is ineffective, procedures such as tear duct probing or dacryocystorhinostomy may be required. Maintain good eye hygiene after surgery.
In daily life, maintain good eye hygiene and avoid rubbing the eyes; reduce eye strain by limiting prolonged use of electronic devices; practice personal hygiene by using separate towels and washbasins; avoid contact with individuals who have conjunctivitis to prevent cross-infection; and undergo regular eye examinations to detect issues such as tear duct blockage early.
