Symptoms
- Red or pinkness in one or both eyes
- Two red or pink eyes could also indicate general irritation of the eyes due to soap or another irritant
- Discharge (pus) from the infected eye
Causes
- Viruses (most common), bacteria, allergies, chemicals/foreign object in eye, or in newborns a blocked tear duct
What can be done at home
- Apply cold or warm compresses to the eye
- Clean eyes with wet cloth
- Use eyedrops to create artificial tears
- Stop wearing your contact lenses
- Thoroughly disinfect these or dispose of them before ever wearing them again
- What can be used to treat it
- Artificial tears
- Cleaning eyes with wet cloth
- Application of warm or cold compresses
- Antibiotics if it is bacterial
- Stop wearing your contact lenses
When to see a doctor
- As soon as possible. They can give you medication to help relieve the symptoms while the infection clears up.
Any other helpful info
- EXTREMELY contagious. Keep hands away from eyes and if you do touch them, wash your hand thoroughly before touching anything else.
- Do not share towels, pillows, or anything that touches your eyes with someone who is uninfected.
