What Causes Constant Eye Discharge?

Constant eye discharge can have various causes, ranging in severity from 'worrying' to 'needs attention'. Finding the true cause means ruling out or confirming each possibility – in other words, diagnosis.

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Diagnosis is usually a complex process due to the sheer number of possible causes and related symptoms. In order to diagnose constant eye discharge, we could:

Research the topic
Find a doctor with the time
Use a diagnostic computer system.

The process is the same, whichever method is used.

Step 1: List all Possible Causes

We begin by identifying the disease conditions which have "constant eye discharge" as a symptom. Here are three possibilities:

Conjunctivitis
Psoriasis
Dry Eye

Step 2: Build a Symptom Checklist

We then identify all possible symptoms and risk factors of each possible cause, and check the ones that apply:

slight eyelid twitch

itchy eyes

high sensitivity to bright light

itchy skin

bloodshot eyes

deformed toenails

genital sores

cracked skin

occasional itchy eyes

very dry eyes

yellow/yellowish fingernails

pitted nails

... and so on

Step 3: Rule Out or Confirm each Possible Cause

A differential diagnosis of your symptoms and risk factors finds the likely cause of constant eye discharge:

Cause	Probability	Status
Psoriasis	94%	Confirm
Conjunctivitis	22%	Unlikely
Dry Eye	2%	Ruled out

* This is a simple example to illustrate the process

Arriving at a Correct Diagnosis

The Analyst™ is our online diagnosis tool that learns all about you through a straightforward process of multi-level questioning, providing diagnosis at the end.

If you indicate eye problems, The Analyst™ will ask further questions including this one:

Do you have any form of constant discharge coming from one or both eyes? It may be colored (for example white, yellow, green) or clear; it may be thick or watery.

Possible responses:

→ No / don't know
→ Mild - barely anything
→ Moderate - needs regular cleaning
→ Serious - impairs vision
→ Severe - difficult to open eyes in the morning

Based on your response to this question, which may indicate mild eye discharge, moderate eye discharge, serious eye discharge or severe eye discharge, The Analyst™ will consider possibilities such as:

Conjunctivitis

A day or two after the first symptoms (eye discomfort), a white, yellow, or green discharge from the eyes may be present. In cases of bacterial conjunctivitis, the discharge will be somewhat thick. In viral conjunctivitis, the discharge may be thinner, and may even be clear.

Dry Eye

Mucous around your eyes when you wake in the morning can be a symptom of dry eye.

Concerned or curious about your health? Try The Analyst™