That weird crust in your eyes when you wake up? It’s not just random gunk—it’s actually evidence of your body protecting itself.
Experts explain that during sleep, our eyes continue producing protective mucus and oils. Since we aren’t blinking, these fluids collect in the corners and dry into that familiar yellowish crust. The surprising part? Much of it consists of dead bacteria your eyes successfully fought off overnight.
While perfectly normal, excessive discharge—especially if thick, greenish, or painful—could indicate an eye infection. Mild cases often clear up on their own, but the NHS recommends gently cleaning eyelids with cooled boiled water and a clean cotton pad.
For most people, though, morning eye crust is just a harmless sign of a well-rested immune system. As one TikTok user joked, “Starting the day with a victory!”
