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Swollen Goopy Eye Remedy

If you wake up with a swollen, goopy eye, it is very likely you have pink eye. Also known as conjunctivitis, pink eye is an infection of the membrane around your eyelid or eyeball. The inflammation makes the blood vessels more prominent, giving the eye its pronounced pinkish or red coloration. Conjunctivitis is caused by a viral or bacterial infection, and most often it is quite contagious.

  1. Bacterial Conjunctivitis

    • Your course of treatment for conjunctivitis is dependent on what caused the condition. If you have bacterial conjunctivitis, your doctor will most likely prescribe an antibiotic that will clear up the infection within a few days. These antibiotics will most often come in the form of a drop, but there is an ointment that is easier to use on children. Please note that ointment may distort vision for about 20 minutes or so after application. Even though your symptoms will resolve a few days after you begin medication it is important to follow the treatment until the end of its prescribed course.

    Viral and Allergic Conjunctivitis

    • Since viruses do not respond to antibiotics, your doctor will not prescribe them if you have viral conjunctivitis. You will just need to wait until the virus causing the conjunctivitis runs its course. There are medications you can buy over-the-counter that reduce symptoms such as itchiness and burning. Your symptoms will probably be worst for the first few days and then gradually fade. Sometimes it can take a few weeks for it to completely clear up. If the cause of the redness is allergic, your doctor may give you medication, such as steroids, decongestants or antihistamines to control the reaction.

    Home Remedies

    • The application of a warm, wet compress can take away some of the discomfort associated with pink eye. Soak a lint-free cloth in hot water, wring it out and then gently apply it to your eye. You should also avoid rubbing your eye. If you are having an allergic reaction, rubbing your eye will release even more histamines. In this instance, using a cool compress can make you feel better. You may also want to try eye drops such as Naphcon-A or Opcon-A that help constrict blood vessels and stop itchiness.

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