What causes crusty eyes?

Have you ever wondered why you get crusty eyes in the morning? Crusty buildup (also called eye discharge or “eye boogers”) is normal and happens mainly for one reason: your eyes aren’t blinking while you sleep. 

Here’s what might be going on: 

• Your tear film continues doing its job overnight 

• Debris and mucus naturally collect 

• Nothing clears it away (because your eyes are closed) 

• It dries into crust by morning 

It might look a little gross, but it’s actually your eyes doing exactly what they’re supposed to do. 

What is eye discharge? 

Eye discharge is a mix of:

• Mucus 

• Oil from your eyelids 

• Dead skin cells 

• Dust and debris 

Your eyes produce a thin layer of this all of the time to stay lubricated and protected. 

What causes eye boogers to build up more than usual? 

Sometimes you might notice more eye crust than normal. Here are a few common reasons. 

Dry eyes 

When your eyes are dry, they may produce thicker mucus. This can lead to more noticeable buildup overnight. 

Allergies 

Allergies can cause watery eyes, itching, and increased mucus production. That excess fluid can dry into more crust by morning. 

Contact lenses 

Wearing contacts (especially for long hours) can irritate your eyes and increase discharge. Sleeping in contacts that aren’t designed for overnight wear can make this worse. 

Eye infections 

Conditions like conjunctivitis (pink eye) can cause thicker, stickier discharge. You might also notice redness, swelling, or your eyes feeling glued shut when you wake up. 

This is especially common among kids, as infections can spread quickly in schools and daycare centers. 

Blocked tear ducts 

If your tear ducts aren’t draining properly, fluid can build up and lead to extra discharge. 

This is very common in babies and young children. You might notice watery eyes and crusting, especially after naps or overnight. 

Blepharitis 

This is inflammation along your eyelids that can cause flaky debris and crusting around your lashes. 

Keeping your eyelids clean can help manage symptoms. A simple routine looks like: 

• Use a clean, warm compress (not hot) for about 5–10 minutes 

• Gently wipe along your lash line 

• Use a separate, clean cloth for each eye 

It sounds small, but it helps prevent irritation from sticking around. 

Stress and cortisol 

High stress levels (and the increase in cortisol that comes with it) can affect your eyes, too. Over time, this can lead to dryness, irritation, and changes in tear production—all of which may cause more noticeable discharge. 

What does normal vs. abnormal eye discharge look like? 

Normal eye crust: 

• Small amount 

• Clear or slightly yellow 

• Mostly in the corners of your eyes 

• Easy to wipe away 

Eye crust that may indicate a problem: 

• Thick, green, or bright yellow discharge 

• A lot of buildup throughout the day 

• Redness, pain, or swelling 

• Blurry vision 

• Eyes sticking shut 

You might want to check in with your eye care professional if you notice any of these symptoms. Better to be safe, right? 

Is it okay to have crusty eyes every day? 

Yes, having a small amount of eye crust every morning is completely normal. 

It’s just a sign your eyes are: 

• Clearing out debris 

• Staying lubricated 

• Protecting themselves 

Think of it like your eyes’ overnight cleanup routine. 

How can you get rid of crusty eyes? 

Most of the time, you don’t need to do much at all. But if it’s bothering you, here are a few easy ways to manage it safely: 

• Gently wipe your eyes with a warm, damp cloth in the morning 

• Hold a warm compress on your eyes for 5–10 minutes to loosen buildup 

• Always wash your hands before and after touching your eyes 

• Use a fresh, clean cloth for each eye to avoid spreading bacteria 

• Don’t reuse towels or pillowcases if you think infection might be involved 

• Remove contacts before sleeping (unless they’re approved for overnight wear) 

If your eyes feel irritated, it can also help to give them a break from contacts and switch to glasses for a bit. 

For kids or babies, use a clean, damp cloth and gently wipe from the inner corner outward. Always use a clean section of the cloth for each pass. 

When should you see an eye doctor? 

You should check in with your eye care professional if: 

• Discharge is thick, discolored, or constant 

• Your eyes feel painful or sensitive to light 

• You notice swelling or redness that doesn’t go away 

• Your vision changes 

They can figure out what’s causing the issue and recommend the right treatment.  
 
For children and babies, it’s a good idea to check in with their pediatrician if symptoms don’t improve after a few days or seem to be getting worse.  

Frequently asked questions about crusty eyes 

What causes crusty eyes when you wake up? 

Crusty eyes in the morning happen because mucus, oils, and debris build up overnight while your eyes are closed. Since you’re not blinking, it doesn’t get cleared away and dries into crust. 

Why do I have a lot of eye boogers all of a sudden? 

A sudden increase in eye discharge can be caused by dry eyes, allergies, contact lens irritation, or an eye infection. If it doesn’t go away or looks unusual, it’s worth getting it checked out. 

Is eye discharge normal? 

Yes, a small amount of eye discharge is completely normal. It helps protect and lubricate your eyes. It usually becomes a concern if it’s thick, discolored, or comes with other symptoms. 

Can contact lenses cause eye crust? 

They can. Contact lenses can irritate or dry out your eyes, leading to increased discharge. Sleeping in contacts that aren’t designed for overnight wear can make it worse. 

Crusty eyes are normal, but your comfort matters 

Most morning eye crust is harmless and part of your eyes’ natural process. But if something feels off, it’s worth getting it checked out. 

 

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Need to renew your prescription? We’ve got you covered. Our online vision exam, ExpressExam, makes it easy to renew your prescription without leaving the house. 

Original publish date: 1/18/2024

Updated date: 6/16/2026