EYE, PUS OR DRAINAGE
Symptom Definition
- Yellow or green discharge (pus) in the eye
- Dried pus on the eyelids and eyelashes. The eyelashes are especially likely to be matted together following sleep.
- May involve one or both eyes
General Information
- Conjunctivitis is a medical term that means there is irritation or infection involving the white parts of the outer eye and the area under the eyelids.
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Types of Conjunctivitis:
- Bacterial conjunctivitis (typically, thick white-yellow or green discharge) requires prescription antibiotic eye drops.
- Viral conjunctivitis (thin, clear-white discharge) is often difficult to distinguish from bacterial conjunctivitis, thus antibiotic eye drops are often prescribed.
- Allergic conjunctivitis (itching, clear-white discharge)
- Chemical conjunctivitis from exposure to chemicals, fumes (eye irritation, tearing)
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"Pink-Eye" is the term used when either a bacterial
or a viral infection is causing the conjunctivitis. Depending on the severity,
symptoms can include:
- Mild discomfort, burning or irritation of the eye(s)
- White portions of the eye(s) may or may not be pink or red
- Eyelids may be puffy due to irritation
- Tearing
- Caution: Individuals with blurred vision or significant eye pain need to be seen by a physician urgently, as significant eye pain and blurred vision do not generally occur in people with conjunctivitis.
See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If
- Chemical splashed in eye, read EYE, CHEMICAL IN
- Foreign body present, read EYE, FOREIGN BODY IN
WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR PUS OR DRAINAGE FROM THE EYE
Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If
- You feel weak or very sick
- Eyelid is very red or very swollen
- Blurred vision
- Eye pain or discomfort is more than mild
- Cloudy spot or sore seen on the cornea (clear center part of the eye)
- Fever of 103 F (39.4 C) or higher
Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If
- You think you need to be seen
- Yellow or green discharge or pus in the eye (Reason: probably needs prescription antibiotic eye drops to treat it)
HOME CARE ADVICE FOR PUS OR DRAINAGE FROM EYE (PENDING TALKING WITH YOUR DOCTOR)
- Reassurance: Pink Eye is a common complication of a cold or it can be acquired from exposure to a child or adult who has had it recently. Pink Eye responds to treatment with antibiotic eye drops and is not harmful to vision.
- Remove Pus: Remove all the dried and liquid pus from the eye with warm water and wet cotton balls (or cotton gauze). Do this as often as needed.
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Contacts:
- Individuals with contact lenses need to switch to glasses temporarily. (Reason: to prevent damage to the cornea)
- Disinfect the contacts before wearing them again (or discard them if disposable)
- Expected Course: With treatment, the yellow discharge should clear up in 3 days. The red eyes may persist for several more days.
- Contagiousness: Pink Eye is extremely contagious. Try not to touch your eyes. Wash your hands frequently. Do not share towels.
- Call Your Doctor If:
- You become worse or develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.
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