- While we sleep, our eyes can dry out due to a lack of tear secretion. If our eyes are dry or were exposed to allergens or irritants, they produce a mucous substance to soothe the ocular surface. This mucous can look like pus but is not infectious. It can collect on the eyelids and even dry and become crusty.
- By placing a warm, moist wash cloth on the eyelids for a few minutes, this mucous can then be wiped away safely.
- If this is a regular problem, you may benefit from lid hygiene techniques discussed on the dry eye treatment page.