Home Care Advice for Viral Eye Infections

1. Reassurance: Some viruses cause watery eyes (viral conjunctivitis). It may be the first symptom of a cold. It isn't serious and we can treat that at home. Colds can also cause a small amount of mucus to collect in the inner corner of the eye.
2. Eye Cleansing: Cleanse eyelids with warm water and a clean cotton ball at least every 2 hours while your child is awake and at home. This usually will keep a bacterial infection from occurring.
3. Artificial tears:
   • Artificial tears often make red eyes feel better.
   • Use 1 drop per eye three times a day. Use them after cleansing the eyelids.
   • Antibiotic and vasoconstrictor eyedrops do not help viral eye infections.
4. Contacts: Children with contact lenses need to switch to glasses temporarily (reason: to prevent damage to the cornea).
5. Contagiousness: Pink eye with a watery discharge is harmless and mildly contagious. Children with colds in the eye do not need to miss any day care or school. If asked, tell the school your child is on eyedrops (artificial tears).
6. Expected Course: Pink eye with a cold usually lasts about 7 days.
7. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Yellow or green discharge develops
   • Redness lasts for more than 1 week
   • Your child becomes worse