Eye - Pus or Discharge

Symptoms

DEFINITION

• Yellow or green discharge (pus) in one or both eyes
• Dried pus on the eyelids and eyelashes. The eyelashes are especially likely to be matted together following sleep
• May involve one or both eyes

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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.
• 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.

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)

"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

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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

Should I Call?

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR

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 9 am and 4 pm) 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)

Care at Home

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR PUS OR DRAINAGE FROM EYE (Pending Talking With Your Doctor)

1. 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.
2. Eyelid Cleansing:
   • Gently wash eyelids and lashes with warm water and wet cotton balls (or cotton gauze). Remove all the dried and liquid pus.
   • Do this as often as needed.
3. 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).
4. Expected Course: With treatment, the yellow discharge should clear up in 3 days. The red eyes may persist for several more days.
5. Contagiousness: Pink Eye is extremely contagious. Try not to touch your eyes. Wash your hands frequently. Do not share towels.
6. Call Your Doctor If:
   • You become worse

And remember, contact your doctor if you develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Photo Example

Conjunctivitis - Viral (Pink Eye)

This patient had viral conjunctivitis (pink-eye).

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

Conjunctivitis - Bacterial

This photo shows conjunctivitis of the right eye caused by bacteria. It requires antibiotic treatment.

With bacterial conjunctivitis there is usually yellow or yellow-green eye discharge. Patients with bacterial conjunctivitis typically report more pain than patients with the less serious viral conjunctivitis.