Eye Cold Cure

A cold in the eye is an infection of the eyelid membranes caused by the same virus that causes the common cold. It is characterized by a tearing or running eye. It is also called conjunctivitis. When the eye discharge becomes thick, gooey or pus-like, it is most likely a bacterial infection. This is also known as pink eye, because the whites of the eyes will become quite pink or red from the inflammation.

Eye Cold Cure

• Viral conjunctivitis will run a course not unlike that of a regular cold virus. In the case of a viral infection, it may be several weeks before all symptoms disappear completely. No medicines are necessary to treat the infection itself, just the symptoms. Warm washcloths applied to the eyes are soothing, but care must be taken not to infect others, as conjunctivitis is highly contagious. Avoid sharing pillows or towels, and wash your hands frequently. Eye drops may be helpful, and if itchiness is a problem, drops with antihistamine might be especially calming. While it might be difficult, avoid rubbing the affected eye, as it will only irritate the condition more, and it's possible to scratch the cornea and cause a secondary infection. If the discharge becomes thick or greenish or you see pus, a doctor should be consulted because the culprit might be a bacterial infection. Besides the eye discharge, there may also be a sensation of something being in the eye, a burning or pain. In this case, antibiotic eye drops or ointment will most likely be prescribed. Typically, conjunctivitis will start in one eye, then spread to the other. Never share eye drop bottles or eye makeup to avoid contamination. Following an infection, it's best to get new eye makeup to be safe. An over-the-counter pain reliever might help ease the discomfort until the worst of the infection is over.