Many of us have experienced waking up with sleep crust in our eyes at some point. That yellow-ish, crusty substance in the corners of our eyes might not seem significant, but it actually provides insights into our eye health. Let’s take a closer look at what sleep crust is, how it forms, and its implications for our eyes.
What is Sleep Crust?
Sleep crust, also known as “rheum” medically, is a combination of mucus, oil, skin cells, and debris that accumulates in the corners of our eyes during sleep. This seemingly unappealing substance actually serves an important purpose in our body’s natural self-cleaning system.
The Process Behind Sleep Crust Formation
During sleep, the accumulation of sleep crust occurs when there is an excess amount of waste materials, leading to a crusty film forming on the corner of our eyelids. It’s worth noting that individuals with allergies may experience more eye crust during specific times of the year as well.
When Sleep Crust Indicates a Problem
While sleep crust is generally harmless and part of our body’s self-cleaning process, there are instances where it could signify an underlying problem. For example, conditions like blepharitis, conjunctivitis, eye stye, blocked tear duct, and dry eye can cause excessive sleep crust and may require medical intervention.
When to Seek Medical Help
If you experience severe eye pain, intense redness, difficulty opening your eyes due to excessive gunk, green or dark yellow eye discharge, light sensitivity, or blurred vision, it’s important to seek medical assistance from an eye doctor. Specific treatment may be needed depending on the underlying cause of the symptoms.
Taking Care of Your Eyelids
To reduce the occurrence of sleep crust and promote overall eye health, it’s crucial to maintain good eyelid hygiene. This includes washing your face before bed, removing eye makeup, minimizing touching and rubbing your eyes, and following proper contact lens usage guidelines.
The Bottom Line
Understanding the causes and potential implications of sleep crust, along with practicing good eyelid hygiene, is essential for maintaining optimal eye health. When in doubt, seeking professional advice from an eye doctor can help ensure the health and well-being of our eyes.
