Eye, Red (Without Pus)
Description / Symptoms
- Redness or pinkness of the white of the eye and inner eyelids
- May have increased tearing (watery eye)
- No pus or other discharge
Cause
Viral infection (part of a cold). Other common causes include eye allergies from pollens or eye irritation from chlorinated pool water, smoke, smog, sunscreen, etc.
See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one)
- If feels like something got in eye, see Eye, Foreign Body
- If yellow or green pus in eye, see Eye, Pus or Drainage
- If main symptom is itchy eyes, see Eye Allergy
When to Call Your Doctor for Eye, Red (Without Pus)
Call Your Doctor Now If:
- Your child looks or acts very sick
- Eyelid is very red or very swollen
- Constant tearing or blinking
- Eye pain or blurred vision
- Cloudy spot on the cornea (clear part of the eye)
- Only 1 eye is red and present for > 24 hours
Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours If:
- You think your child needs to be seen
- Only 1 eye is red and present for > 24 hours
Call Your Doctor During Weekday Hours If:
- You have other questions or concerns
- Age < 1 month old
Home Care For Viral Eye Infections:
Eye Cleansing
Cleanse eyelids with warm water and a clean cotton ball at least every 1 to 2 hours while your child is awake and at home. This usually will keep a bacterial infection from occurring.
Eye Drops
Neither antibiotic nor vasoconstrictor eye drops help viral eye infections.
Contacts
Children with contact lenses need to switch to glasses temporarily. (Reason: to prevent damage to the cornea).
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.
Expected Course
Pink eye with a cold usually lasts about 7 days.
Call Your Doctor If:
- Yellow or green discharge develops
- Redness lasts > 1 week
- Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor…" symptoms
- Home Care For Mild Eye Irritants (e.g., smoke, smog, chlorine, perfume, food, soap, sunscreen):
Face Cleansing
Wash the face, then the eyelids, with a mild soap and water. This will remove any irritants.
Eye Irrigation
Irrigate the eye with warm water for 5 minutes.
Vasoconstrictor Eye Drops
Red eyes from irritants usually feel much better after the irritant has been washed out. If they remain uncomfortable and bloodshot, instill artificial tears or some long-acting vasoconstrictor eye drops (no prescription needed).
You can ask your pharmacist to recommend a brand. Use 1 drop every 8 to 12 hours as necessary.
Expected Course
After removal of the irritant, the eyes usually return to normal color in 1 to 2 hours.
Prevention
Try to avoid future exposure to the irritant.
Call Your Doctor If:
- Develops pus in the eye
- Redness lasts > 7 days
- Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor…" symptoms
Parent Care for Pediatric Symptoms. Copyright 2000-2006.