Children may also need oral antibiotics.Using eye drops, such as polymyxin (Polytrim), Ciprofloxacin, or Bacitracin ointment, for 5 to 7 days.Using artificial tears to keep the surface of your eye moist.Since the best treatment for conjunctivitis depends on the underlying cause, your doctor may use a cotton swab to take a sample of the discharge and send it to a laboratory.ĭo not treat viral conjunctivitis with antibiotic drops-it won’t help it get better. This is usually when the common bacteria that live on your face come into close contact with your eye. It typically lasts about 7 to 10 days, but it is contagious during this time.īacterial conjunctivitis is usually caused by too much bacteria growing on the conjunctiva. Usually, you’ll notice symptoms in one eye first, but it can spread to the other eye in a few days. Viral conjunctivitis is the most common type, and is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as cough, cold, runny nose, and sore throat. There are many causes, but the most common are from a virus or bacteria, or an allergic reaction.Įven though a patient may want antibiotic drops for viral conjunctivitis-which is the most common cause of eye discharge-they are not necessary and can be harmful. Discharge (clear, mucus-like, green, yellow)Ĭonjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, or the clear layer that covers the white part of the eye.Baby shampoo (dilute a small amount and gently use your fingers to wash your eyelids, then rinse).Warm compresses (run a washcloth under hot water and place over closed eyes for 5 to 10 minutes).The best way to treat blepharitis is to keep your eyelids clean. These glands protect the surface of your eye from these irritants, but if they are inflamed or clogged it can lead to discharge.
Clear or white discharge (especially in the corners of the eyes)īlepharitis occurs when the oil glands in your eyelids become plugged with mucus, dirt, or debris from the environment.