(801) 442-2000
36 S. State Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84111Map

KidsCare Online

Eye, Red Without Pus

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR VIRAL EYE INFECTIONS

Reassurance: Some viruses cause watery eyes (viral conjunctivitis). It may be the first symptom of a cold. It is not serious and can be treated at home. Colds can also cause a small amount of mucus to collect in the inner corner of the eye.
Eye Cleansing: Cleanse eyelids with warm water and a clean cotton ball at least every 1 to 2 hours while your child is awake and at home. This usually will keep a bacterial infection from occurring.
Eye Drops:
- Neither antibiotic nor vasoconstrictor eye drops help viral eye infections
- Artifical tears often make red eyes feel better. Use 1 drop per eye three times a day. Use after cleansing the eyelids.
Contacts: Children with contact lenses need to switch to glasses temporarily (Reason: to prevent damage to the cornea).
Contagiousness: Pink eye with a watery discharge is harmless and mildly contagious. Children with cold in the eye do not need to miss any day care or school. If asked, tell the school your child is on artificial tears eye drops.
Expected Course: Pink eye with a cold usually lasts about 7 days.
Call Your Doctor If:
- Yellow or green discharge develops.
- Redness lasts for more than 1 week.
- Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MILD EYE IRRITANTS
(e.g., smoke, smog, chlorine, perfume, food, soap, sunscreen)

Reassurance: Most irritants affect the eyes for only a short time. It is not serious and can be treated at home. Colds can also cause a small amount of mucus to collect in the inner corner of the eye.
Face Cleansing: Wash the face, then the eyelids, with a mild soap and water. This will remove any irritants.
Eye Irrigation: Irrigate the eye with warm water for 5 minutes.
Eye Drops:
- Red eyes from irritants usually feel much better after the irritant has been washed out.
- If the eyes remain uncomfortable and bloodshot, instill artificial tears or a long-acting vasoconstrictor eye drops (no prescription is needed). Ask your pharmacist to recommend a brand.
- Use 1 drop every 8-12 hours as necessary..
Expected Course: After removal of the irritant, the eyes usually return to normal color in 1 to 2 hours.
Prevention: Try to avoid future exposure to the irritant.
IF your child becomes worse: Review Should I Call? recommendations.