EYE DISCHARGE WITH REDNESS: TREATMENT
If you think you have conjunctivitis, you should see your doctor. If the infection is caused by bacteria, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic ointment or eyedrops for you to apply to your eyes several times a day. Viral conjunctivitis will clear up without treatment, though your doctor may prescribe eyedrops that contain the antibiotic Neosporin or the corticosteroid prednisone to help soothe the inflamed eye. However, if you have glaucoma, your doctor will advise against these preparations because they can make the glaucoma worse. You should also refrain from wearing contact lenses until the infection is cleared up, which will take only a couple of days. If it lasts longer, you should see your ophthalmologist. During the period of infection, you should take precautions to avoid both contagion and reinfecting yourself. Wash your hands after you touch your eyes, and use a clean towel and washcloth each time. Don’t use makeup, and stay out of swimming pools. It’s also a good idea to make sure that other people keep their distance while your infection is active.
To prevent future bouts with conjunctivitis, I always advise women to throw their eye makeup away after a few months of use. And you should never use mascara or eye shadow that belongs to someone else.
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