What Is Eye Mucus Fishing Syndrome?

Family Medicine, Primary Care Roots Community Health Center, Hippo Education, Kameda Medical Center

Supervised by Kenji Taylor, MD

Eye Mucus Fishing Syndrome is when someone keeps touching or picking the mucus from their eyes, and this habit actually makes the irritation and mucus worse.

Explanation

Your eyes naturally produce mucus to keep them moist and to trap dust and germs so that your eyes stay healthy. In Eye Mucus Fishing Syndrome, a person repeatedly touches or "fishes" for eye mucus. This can happen when the eyes are irritated or uncomfortable, and the habit of picking at the mucus ends up causing more irritation. Over time, the constant touching can damage the delicate surface of the eye, leading to extra mucus production and more irritation. This cycle can make your eyes feel even drier or more uncomfortable, and sometimes it can even lead to an infection. If you notice that you often feel the urge to pick at the mucus in your eyes, it might help to use lubricating eye drops or warm compresses to soothe them. Other strategies include taking breaks from screens, keeping your hands clean, and if the problem continues, talking with an eye doctor. An eye care professional can offer advice and treatment options to help break the cycle and keep your eyes healthy.

(References)

McCulley JP, Moore MB, Matoba AY. Mucus fishing syndrome. Ophthalmology. 1985 Sep;92(9):1262-5. doi: 10.1016/s0161-6420(85)33873-3. PMID: 4058886.
Slagle WS, Slagle AM, Brough GH. Mucus fishing syndrome: case report and new treatment option. Optometry. 2001 Oct;72(10):634-40. PMID: 11712630.
Chiew RLJ, Au Eong DTM, Au Eong KG. Mucus fishing syndrome. BMJ Case Rep. 2022 Apr 8;15(4):e249188. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2022-249188. PMID: 35396241; PMCID: PMC8996047.

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