Eye-ball problem

[carlton23]

Whilst watching TV in the evening I keep getting a bit of muck ir matter in my right eye only. I use Hypromellose Eye Drops but can`t shift it for more than a minute. Can anyone recommend how to clear it up?. TIA

[Ice.Maiden]

It could be a "floater" which means that you won't get rid of it, but if it continues, go and see an optician.

[pastafreak]

But if it was a 'floater' it would be noticable at other times.

[Ice.Maiden]

Probably just started though pasta. My eldest son has one, which came on suddenly. He didn't notice it too much at first, but then it annoyed him because it kept coming back. He's learnt to live with it now.

[pastafreak]

Everyone gets them...annoying things tho.
Mmmmm...can't remember if floaters appear in one eye only.

Hmmmm...they can and do : http://www.uic.edu/com/eye/LearningAboutVision /EyeFacts/Floaters.shtml

[carlton23]

Sorry you two, it`s not a floater, I know what they are, but as mentioned, it`s a little bit of `slimy muck`, to put it crudely. I will try a salt water wash to see if that does it.

[albaqwerty]

have you considered conjunctivitis?
nasty sticky slimy stuff. Does your eye itch/feel sore?
hope it isn't conjunc...

[carlton23]

H`mmm, hope not alba, but I`ll take no chances.

[sqad617]

You need to go to A&E as it may be a FB (Foreign body)

[Bbbananas]

I've had a foreign body in my eyesight more than once - only recently there was a lovely 6' 4" New Zealander.....

Morning Sqadlet my petal x

[Schutzengel]

It could be a normal protective mucus, which when you remove it comes out as a transparent very fine and in a string. I have this from time to time, the cause being an eyelash on the top eye-lid which instead of turning up as it should, turns inward, it is hardly noticeable, but it irritates the eye-ball, which causes the mucus to form. When this happens, I pop into the optician who plucks out the offending eye-lash, and then it's fine for quite a few months. Trouble is the eye-lash eventually grows back again, so it's off to the optician again. Perhaps you have a similar situation.

[york310]

I very much doubt this is anything to be concerned about.

Firstly, mucus is a natural part of the tears and is there to give your tears a consistency so they don't evaporate or run off too quicly leading to dry eye problems. Hypromellose is an artificial lubricant for use with dry eyes and not an eye wash such as Optrex.
Secondly, If someone went to A&E and said I have a bit of mucus in my eye they would not call the crash team in due to the emergency of this situation but instead laugh it off and wonder why ou have sat in the waiting area for four hours for this.

Bacterial conjunctivitis would include a green sticky discharge and a red gritty eye would be apparent. This is generally a self limiting issue which would last 7-10 days even without treatment but chloramphinical could be used to help treat it and is available over the counter at your pharmacy.

If you are concerned about your eye there are opticians trained to deal with ocular problems such as this. Generally, most people go to see GPs with issues about their eyes who do not possess the necessary instruments, skills and knowledge about most ocular problems.

I would use a warm compress using a flannel and cooled boiled water and see if this helps. If not go and see your optician. If you prefer call 999 and ask for an ambulance.