What is the gunk that forms in our eyes during sleep? - Earth.com

What is the gunk that forms in our eyes during sleep?

09-13-2018

Today’s Video of the Day from the American Chemical Society series Reactions describes the composition of the gunk that forms in our eyes while we are asleep.

This mysterious substance is made up of a three-layer combination of protein, oils, skin cells, and bacteria.

The outermost layer of the gunk is called meibum, an oily complex that helps keep the eyes from drying out.

During the day, eye gunk develops but is discarded as we blink. At night, it builds up and dries out in the corners of our eyes.

By Chrissy Sexton, Earth.com Staff Writer

Video Credit: American Chemical Society

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