Community Health Network

Eye - Red Without Pus
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Symptom
Description

Should I
Call?

Care at
Home

Does this describe your child's symptoms?

Definition

Redness or pinkness of the white of the eye and inner eyelids
May have increased tearing (watery eye)
Â Eyelid may be puffy or mildly swollen
No pus or other discharge

Causes

Viral conjunctivitis (part of a cold) is the main cause. Almost always involves both eyes.
Allergic conjunctivitis from pollens
Mild chemical conjunctivitis from irritants (e.g., sunscreen, soap, chlorinated pool water, smoke, or smog)
Irritants transferred by touching the eye may just involve one eye (e.g., food or plant resins on the fingers)

Return to School

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 not, see these topics

Feels like something got in eye, see EYE - FOREIGN BODY
Yellow or green pus in eye, see EYE - PUS OR DRAINAGE
Main symptom is itchy eyes, see EYE - ALLERGY

Should I
Call?

Care at
Home

When to Call Your Doctor

	Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If
	Your child looks or acts very sick Eyelid is very red or very swollen Constant tearing or blinking Blurred vision Eye pain that's more than mild Cloudy spot on the cornea (clear part of the eye) Turns away from any light Age under 12 weeks with fever above 100.4Â° F (38.0Â° C) rectally (Caution: Do NOT give your baby any fever medicine before being seen.)
	Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If
	You think your child needs to be seen Only 1 eye is red and present over 24 hours
	Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If
	You have other questions or concerns Age under 1 month old Redness lasts over 7 days
	Parent Care at Home If
	Red eye is part of a cold and you don't think your child needs to be seen Red eye caused by mild irritant (e.g., soap, sunscreen, food, smoke, smog, chlorine, perfume) and you don't think your child needs to be seen

Symptom
Description

Care at
Home

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR RED EYE WITHOUT PUS

Treatment For Viral Eye Infections

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.
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.
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.
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. If asked, tell the school your child is on eyedrops (artificial tears).
Expected Course: Pink eye with a cold usually lasts about 7 days.
Call Your Doctor If:
- Yellow or green discharge develops
- Redness lasts for more than 1 week
- Your child becomes worse

Treatment For Mild Eye Irritants

Reassurance: Most eye irritants cause transient redness of the eyes. We can treat that at home.
Face Cleansing: Wash the face with mild soap and water. Wash off eyelids with water. This will remove any irritants.
Eye Irrigation: Irrigate the eye with warm water for 5 minutes.
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 a 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.Â
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 yellow or green pus in the eye
- Redness lasts over 7 days
- Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Symptom
Description

Should I
Call?

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: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.

Last Reviewed: 1/19/2009

Last Revised: 8/5/2007

Content Set: Pediatric HouseCalls Online