Eye Redness/Discharge

Eye Redness/Discharge (redness of the white part of the eye "sclera" with a yellow/green discharge)

Emergent Care - Have you identified one or more of the following symptoms?

Sores on the eye or inside of eyelid
Sudden vision change (blurring, flashing lights, blind spots)
Severe eye pain

Yes No

Seek Immediate Medical Attention!
These symptoms can be life-threatening.

A "stye" is an inflamed, red, painful pimple on the inside of the upper eyelid

Itchy watery eyes with sneezing may be due to an allergy

Conjunctivitis is commonly called "pink eye", is very contagious and is treated with antibiotic eye drops

If treated for conjunctivitis, may return to work or school after 24 hours of treatment

Bright redness in the eye, without eye pain or history of an injury, is commonly caused by the breaking of a tiny blood vessel(s) in the eye, is harmless and will usually clear in 1 week

Urgent Care - Have you identified one or more of the following symptoms?

Pain, burning in the eye
Light sensitivity (photophobia)
Thick yellow or green discharge with or without itching
Symptoms continue after 2-3 days of self-management

Yes No

Contact Your Health Care Provider.

Self-Management - You can help in the following ways:

Clean discharge from eye with wet cloth
Use separate corner of cloth for each eye and wipe from the inner to outer portion of eye
Apply cool or warm wet compress to relieve discomfort
Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) for discomfort, if no reasons to the contrary
Avoid bright lights
Do not wear make-up or contact lens until eyes return to normal
Use artificial tears or over the counter (OTC) eye drops for dryness/redness
Practice frequent hand washing. - do not share towels

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Call Your Health Care Provider If:

You do not get better, new symptoms appear, you are concerned in any way or you have questions.