Eye - Pus or Discharge
Definition
- Yellow or green discharge (pus) in the eye
- Often caused by a bacterial eye infection
Symptoms
- Yellow or green discharge or pus in the eye
- Dried pus on the eyelids and eyelashes
- The eyelashes are more likely to be stuck together after sleep
- The whites of the eye may or may not be red or pink
- The eyelids are often puffy
Cause
- Bacterial infection of the eye. This often occurs after having a cold in the eye.
- A small amount of pus only in the corner of the eye is not important. Often, it's due to an irritant or virus.
Return to School
- Your child can go back to school when the pus is a small amount. Antibiotic eye drops should be used for 24 hours before going back.
When to Call Us for Eye - Pus or Discharge
Call Us Now (night or day) If
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CARE ADVICE FOR PUS IN THE EYE (Until Talking with Your Doctor)
What You Should Know:- Bacterial eye infections are common with colds.
- They respond to home treatment with antibiotic eyedrops which need a prescription.
- They are not harmful to vision.
- Until you get some antibiotic eye drops, here is some advice that should help.
- Remove all the dried and liquid pus from the eyelids. Use warm water and wet cotton balls to do this.
- Do this whenever pus is seen on the eyelids.
- Also, remove the pus before the antibiotic eye drops are put in. Reason: They will not work if you don't.
- The pus can spread infection to others. So, dispose of it carefully.
- Wash your hands well after any contact with the pus.
- For a cooperative child, gently pull down on the lower lid. Put 1 drop inside the lower lid. Then ask your child to close the eye for 2 minutes. Reason: So the medicine will get into the tissues.
- For a child who won't open his eye, have him lie down. Put 1 drop over the inner corner of the eye. If your child opens the eye or blinks, the eye drop will flow in. If he doesn't open the eye, the drop will slowly seep into the eye.