What is the reason for that tiny dirt?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of tiny deposits or "dirt" in the eyes, often described as a light yellow color. Participants explore potential causes, implications for eye health, and the terminology used to describe this occurrence. The conversation touches on both personal experiences and broader observations related to eye care and hygiene.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the deposits may be commonly referred to as "sleep" or "rheum," which is the creamy substance found in the eyes, especially after sleep.
  • One participant mentions that these deposits are normal and harmless, serving to lubricate the eyelids and prevent them from sticking together.
  • Another participant raises concerns about the amount of deposits, questioning if excessive buildup might indicate a problem that requires attention.
  • A personal anecdote is shared about experiencing thick crustiness that made it difficult to open the eyes, suggesting a need for cleaning in such cases.
  • Humorous references are made to the "Sandman," attributing the deposits to a whimsical source.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the deposits are normal and often harmless, but there are differing views on the implications of excessive buildup and whether it necessitates medical attention. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact terminology and the extent to which cleaning may be necessary.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the terminology used to describe the deposits, and there are varying personal experiences regarding the frequency and severity of the issue. The discussion does not reach a consensus on whether cleaning is always advisable.

Rajini
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Dear All,

May i ask you all one important question?
Sometimes, yes, many times, we get some sort of dirt in our eyes (very light yellow color).
What is the reason for that tiny dirt? why one get it ? Is that really a problem ? Or if one works all the time in front of a PC will get it ?
WHat is the English name for that dirt?

thanks
 
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Rajini said:
Dear All,

May i ask you all one important question?
Sometimes, yes, many times, we get some sort of dirt in our eyes (very light yellow color).
What is the reason for that tiny dirt? why one get it ? Is that really a problem ? Or if one works all the time in front of a PC will get it ?
WHat is the English name for that dirt?

thanks

Could you describe the type of environment that this occurs?
Your statement also mentioned "we" Are there others experiencing this?
 


Rajini said:
(very light yellow color).

I wonder if he means "sleep". That's the common name for the creamy "goop" that is often found in the eye. When it dries, it goes hard and crumbly and yellow.

And now, thanks to having to look it up, I know some other names for it: rheum, or gound.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rheum

I've never heard of gound, but I do know that "rheumy" describes the various liquids ones face gets filled with from a cold or allergies.

It is completely normal and harmless, though it may be an indicator or other problems, such as eyestrain from staring at a computer screen for too long (not blinking enough and too much squinting).
 
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Hi,
thanks davec. I guess may be cleaning the eyes with fresh water may solve the problem..Actually i wanted to know the english term.
 


Here we call it sand. And its deposited into the eyes of sleeping people, by the Sandman.
 


Rajini said:
Hi,
thanks davec. I guess may be cleaning the eyes with fresh water may solve the problem..Actually i wanted to know the english term.

Is there enough that it needs cleaning? That could be an indication of a problem.

As a child, I once woke up with sleep crusted so thick on my eyeleshes that I was unable to open them. I had to stumble blind to the bathroom to wash them under the tap.
 


There is nothing wrong about having those deposits on your eyes. That is just the dried remnants of the substance secreted along your eyelids to lubricate them. Basically, when you're healthy, it functions to keep your eyelids from sticking together when closed, and is a lipid solution, so also provides a barrier to keep your tears inside your eyes. When overproduced, you'll get some crusties in your eyes, perhaps when exposed to an irritant or allergen. Nothing to worry about.

If you get so much crustiness that it sticks your eyes together, then you should see a doctor about infection.
 


hypatia said:
Here we call it sand. And its deposited into the eyes of sleeping people, by the Sandman.

Mister Sandman
Bring me a dream
(bum bum bum bum)
Make him the cutest
That I've ever seen...
 

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