2. Your Eyelids Produce Protective Oils
These oils help prevent your tears from evaporating too quickly, but they also contribute to the crusty buildup.
3. Your Eyes Stay Moist
The discharge plays a crucial role in preventing dryness and irritation while you sleep.
In essence, this process is a natural part of your body’s cleaning system.
Why People Are Surprised (and a Little Grossed Out)
Although most individuals understand that this substance is harmless, many are taken aback to discover that eye discharge is essentially a combination of dried mucus and debris expelled by the eyes during sleep. The realization that our eyes “self-clean” overnight can be surprising, but once the initial discomfort fades, many find it intriguing how diligently our bodies work, even while we are unconscious.
What’s Normal vs. Not Normal
Most morning eye discharge is completely normal. However, certain changes may signal irritation or infection.
