How can I get rid of eye mucus?

Eye mucus is a sticky substance that naturally helps keep the surface of your eyes moist. Sometimes, though, you might notice more mucus than usual. This can happen with infections like conjunctivitis (pink eye), allergies, or if you keep rubbing or "fishing" for the mucus.

A good first step is to gently clean your eyes with a warm, damp washcloth or cotton ball. The warm compress helps loosen the mucus and soothe irritation. You can also use over-the-counter lubricating eye drops (often called artificial tears) to keep your eyes moist and reduce the buildup of mucus. It's important to avoid rubbing your eyes too much, as this can worsen the irritation and lead to more mucus production.

Make sure you use clean hands and a clean cloth each time to avoid introducing germs. If the mucus is persistent, or if you notice other symptoms such as redness, pain, or changes in vision, you can use a free symptom checker to help identify what might be causing your symptoms and whether you should see a doctor. An eye doctor can examine your eyes, determine if there's an underlying issue like an infection or allergies, and suggest treatments such as medicated eye drops if needed.