As for the gunk thing, does that means gums in your eyes? We have a gland named tarsus in our eyelids, their opening exist in the edge of eyelids. The oil that secreted by tarsus is the gum, it would moisten the eyelids and cornea, prevent the tears go out of eyes to erode the skin around eyes. It also would prevent dry eyes from tears evaporation. These oil and the dust and tears in the eyes mixed together to form the gum. How to get it out? You would better not use the dirty hands to touch the eyes. You can use clean cotton swab to sweep it out. As for the sticky gum, you can use swab to contact it, then softly turn it around, the left gum will pull out. Dirty hands will lead eyes infection by virus. So, take care!