Treatment for an Eye Cold

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is often casually referred to as an "eye cold." Although eye colds share the same symptoms, there are different types of these eye infections, and they are treated differently.

Features

• An eye cold affects the fluids that line the inner eyelid and cover the eye (conjunctiva). It does not affect the structures of the eye ball, and therefore does not significantly affect vision. Eye colds begin in one eye, but can easily spread to both.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of eye colds include redness, burning, itching, eye irritation, excessive tearing and/or discharge, swelling, and blurry vision.

Bacterial Conjuncitivitis and Treatment

• A bacterial eye cold is caused by bacteria that comes from the skin, the respiratory tract, or from another infected person. Eyes should be kept clean. Antibiotic drops are used to treat symptoms, although NetDoctor.co.uk's report notes that 64% of infections cure on their own within five days.

Viral Conjunctivitis and Treatment

• Viral conjunctivitis is the most contagious type of eye cold, and is associated with the common cold. There is no medication except for lubricant ointment, and strict hygiene is crucial to this type of eye cold's transmission.

Chlamydial Conjunctivitis and Treatment

• Caused by the Chlamydia organism (associated with the venereal disease), this type of eye cold must be identified and treated with other affected mucous membranes. Chlorotetracycline ointment and tetracycline tablets are used to treat and control the spread of the infection.

Allergic Conjunctivitis and Treatment

• Allergic conjunctivitis is associated with other signs of allergic disease, such as eczema, hay fever, and asthma, and may also be caused by pollen, cosmetics, or dust mites. The main treatment is avoiding the allergen, but topical antihistamine drops are commonly used. Other prescription drops may be used to prevent the allergic reaction.