An “eye cold” is viral conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the clear membrane covering the white part of your eye and the inside of your eyelid. While there is no immediate cure, managing symptoms can promote faster relief. This article guides you on identifying an eye cold and alleviating its symptoms.
Recognizing an Eye Cold
An “eye cold” is often viral conjunctivitis, caused by the same viruses as the common cold, like adenoviruses. It can start in one eye and spread to the other. Common symptoms include redness, a gritty or burning sensation, watery discharge, and sometimes mucus. You might also experience itching, light sensitivity, and swollen or reddened eyelids. These eye symptoms frequently occur with or after other respiratory infection signs, such as a sore throat or runny nose.
Relief and Home Care Strategies
Viral conjunctivitis typically resolves within one to two weeks, but symptom relief improves comfort. Warm compresses reduce sticky discharge or crust on eyelids, especially in the morning. Cool compresses alleviate itching and inflammation. Always use a clean cloth for each application to prevent spreading infection.
Lubricating eye drops, or artificial tears, moisturize eyes and wash away irritants. Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this worsens irritation and can spread infection. If you wear contact lenses, stop wearing them until symptoms subside and discard any lenses or cases used during the infection to prevent reinfection. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can manage discomfort.
Knowing When to Seek Medical Attention
While many viral conjunctivitis cases are mild and resolve without specific medical intervention, certain symptoms warrant professional evaluation. Seek medical advice if you experience severe eye pain, worsening blurry vision or light sensitivity, or intense redness in one or both eyes. Yellow or green discharge can indicate a bacterial infection, requiring different treatment.
Consult a healthcare provider if symptoms do not improve after a few days, or if you have a weakened immune system. A doctor can rule out more serious eye conditions, like those caused by herpes simplex virus, which may require antiviral medications. Prompt evaluation is also crucial for infants under 30 days old who develop red, sticky eyes.
Stopping the Spread and Future Prevention
Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious, often for 10-14 days from symptom onset, especially while eyes are red and tearing. To prevent its spread, meticulous hygiene practices are important. Frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is a primary defense, particularly after touching your eyes or applying eye drops. Avoid touching your eyes with unwashed hands.
Refrain from sharing personal items that contact the eyes, such as towels, washcloths, pillowcases, eye makeup, or eye drops. Regularly wash pillowcases and towels in hot water and detergent. Disinfecting surfaces touched by contaminated hands can also help. During the contagious period, avoid close contact with others to limit transmission.