Talk:Mucopurulent discharge

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Mucopurulent discharge (also known as mucopurulent mattering, sleepy dust, sand, eye boogers, sleepy winks, and sleep) is the build-up of mucoproteins from tears found dried-out after sleep in the corners of the eye as a crystalline sludge.

During the day, tear mucus collects potentially damaging dirt on the surface of the eye. During the night this fluid collects between the eyelids, where it evaporates into a more crystalline deposit.

The phrase "mucopurulent discharge" was suggested to the magazine New Scientist by reader John Denvers, and in 2005 that publication accepted it as the most appropriate term. When referred to as "sand" it is a reference to the magic sand left by the Sandman to get children to sleep.

Reference: New Scientist (2005). The Sandman Cometh. In Does Anything Eat Wasps?, pp. 23—24. London, UK: Profile Books. ISBN 1861979738.

By definition, "mucopurulent" means "containing mucus and pus"[1]. The debris found in the eyes upon awakening is not "mucopurulent discharge" in that it does not contain pus. I'm going to change the article to reflect this. -AED 18:07, 12 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Sebaceous gland

According to this article, 'sleep' from one's eyes after sleeping IS NOT a mucopurulent discharge, however, the sebaceous gland article specifically mentions that 'sleep' IS such a discharge. Could an expert please clear up the fuss? Hightower 40 04:37, 6 October 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Good catch! "Sleep" is not mucopurulent discharge. I have edited the Sebaceous gland article to reflect this. -AED 16:31, 6 October 2006 (UTC)[reply]