Eye - Pus or Discharge

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

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

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

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)

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.
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.
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

And remember, contact your doctor if you 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.

Author and Senior Reviewer: David A. Thompson, M.D.

Last Reviewed: 9/21/2007

Last Revised: 9/21/2007

Content Set: Adult HouseCalls Online