Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Eye Infection Without Pus (Viral) (for Teenagers)
DESCRIPTION
- redness of the sclera (white part of the eye)
- redness of the inner eyelids
- puffy eyelids (usually) due to irritation from the
infection
- watery discharge from eye
- no yellow discharge from eye or matting of eyelids
- not caused by crying or allergy.
This condition is also called pink eye, bloodshot eyes, or
conjunctivitis.
CAUSES
Red eyes are usually caused by a viral infection and they
often occur when you have a cold. If a bacterial infection
occurs, discharge from your eyes becomes yellow and the
eyelids are often matted together after sleeping. If this
happens, you need antibiotic eyedrops even if your eyes are
not red.
An irritant in the eye is the second most common cause of
red eyes. The irritant can be shampoo, smog, smoke, or
chlorine from a swimming pool. A less common cause is
touching the eyes with hands carrying dirt, food, soap, or
animal saliva.
SIMILAR CONDITIONS
Chemical in Eye
Eye Allergies
Eye Infection with Pus
Foreign Body in Eye
EXPECTED COURSE
Viral conjunctivitis usually lasts as long as the cold (4 to
7 days). Red eyes from irritants usually are cured within
4 hours after the irritating substance is washed out.
HOME CARE
- Washing with soap
Wash your face and then wash your eyelids once with soap
and water. Rinse them carefully with water. This will
remove any irritants.
- Irrigating with water
For viral infections, rinse your eyes with warm water as
often as possible, at least every 1 or 2 hours while
awake. Use a fresh, wet cotton ball each time. This
rinsing usually will keep a bacterial infection from
occurring.
For mild chemical irritants, irrigate the eye with warm
water for 5 minutes.
- Vasoconstrictor eyedrops
A viral infection is not helped by eyedrops.
Red eyes from irritants usually feel much better after
the irritant has been washed out. If your eyes remain
uncomfortable and bloodshot, put in some long-acting
vasoconstrictor eyedrops (a nonprescription item). You
need the eyedrops recommended by your physician.
- Contagiousness
Pink eye is harmless and mildly contagious. You may
still attend school.
CALL YOUR PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY IF:
- Your eyelids become very red or swollen.
- Your develop blurred vision or eye pain.
CALL YOUR PHYSICIAN WITHIN 24 HOURS IF:
- A yellow discharge develops.
- The redness lasts more than 7 days.
- You have other concerns or questions.
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