‘You look self-supporting’
The stuff that settles in the corners of your eyes is made up of mucus, oil, dead skin cells, dried tears, and other debris. This is also called sleep, sleeping sand or eye discharge. But how does it come about?
Causes
The accumulated moisture arises from the so-called tear film, the moist layer on the eyes that protects them against dehydration. The oil comes from the ‘meibomian glands’. These sit on top of the eyelid margin and produce an oily substance that forms the outer fat layer of the tear film. Meibom ensures that your eyes are lubricated while blinking and that tears are not continuously running down your cheeks.
Dirt in your eyes is often affected by the use of eye makeup and makeup removal products. Optometrist Simone Stad: “If you use eyeliner fanatically, particles of this can end up in the tear film. This also applies to flakes from your mascara or excess eyeshadow. It is also possible that you close the meibomian glands with a kohl pencil. This results in dry eyes.”
Natural protection
Eye sleep is very normal. Your eyes maintain themselves and provide a clean protective layer. “In general, eye sleep is not dangerous. But a different color and amount can mean an infection. Consult a doctor if you notice any major differences.”
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Sources):
- Specsavers
