A gritty sensation may be reported and the presence of a foreign object must be excluded in these cases. Pain must be absent. Region The eye and eyelids. This provides an ideal region for pathogens to reproduce. Also, the viral causative agent for the cold may attack the eye area leading to inflammation.
Age is significant.
Babies have underdeveloped ducts which are not yet able to cope with all the normal eye secretions. This leads to increased potential for bacterial growth. Sticky eye is very common in infants. As the body ages, these ducts may become partially blocked and conjunctivitis is frequently seen in the elderly. Previous history of eye drainage problems is also significant.