How do you clean eye crust?

You can clean eye crust using a washcloth soaked in warm water to gently rub the eyes and remove the sleep crust. This is a common way to deal with the eye boogers that some people notice more after sleeping.

Detailed Steps for Cleaning Eye Crust

Here's a breakdown of how to effectively and gently clean eye crust:

1. Prepare Warm Water: Fill a small bowl with warm, clean water. The water should be comfortably warm, not hot, to avoid irritating the delicate skin around the eyes.
2. Soak a Clean Washcloth: Take a clean washcloth and soak it in the warm water. Wring out any excess water to prevent it from dripping.
3. Gently Rub the Eyelids: With the damp washcloth, very gently rub the eyelids and around the eye area where crust has accumulated. Do not rub harshly; use a soft, circular motion.
4. Repeat as Needed: If the crust is stubborn, re-soak the washcloth in warm water and repeat the gentle rubbing process.
5. Pat Dry: Once the eye crust is removed, gently pat the area dry with a soft, clean towel or the dry side of your washcloth.
6. Avoid Aggressive Cleaning: Never pick or scratch at the eye crust with your fingernails, as this can cause irritation, infection, or damage to your eye.

What Causes Eye Crust?

Eye crust, often referred to as "sleep" or "eye boogers," is a natural occurrence. It's primarily a combination of:

• Mucus: Produced by the eyes to keep them moist.
• Tears: These help lubricate and clean the eyes.
• Dead Skin Cells: Shed naturally from the eyelids and surrounding areas.
• Other Debris: Tiny dust particles or other airborne substances that accumulate during the day.

The eyes produce this mixture continuously, but because blinking helps to clear it away while we are awake, the material is more noticeable after sleep.

Table: Cleaning Eye Crust

Step	Action
1. Prepare Water	Fill a bowl with warm, clean water.
2. Soak Washcloth	Soak a clean washcloth, wring out excess.
3. Gentle Rub	Gently rub eyelids with damp cloth.
4. Repeat	Repeat if needed.
5. Pat Dry	Pat the area dry.
6. Avoid Scratching	Never pick or scratch the eye crust.

When to See a Doctor

While eye crust is usually harmless, there are instances when it might warrant a visit to an eye doctor. If you experience:

• Excessive amounts of eye crust.
• Yellow or green discharge.
• Redness, pain, or swelling around the eyes.
• Vision changes.
• The crust doesn’t clear up with simple cleaning.

Then, it’s advisable to seek medical advice. These symptoms could be signs of an infection, allergy, or other eye-related issues.