Eye - Red Without Pus

DEFINITION

• Redness or pinkness of the white of the eye and inner eyelids
• May have increased tearing (watery eye)
•  Eyelid may be puffy or mildly swollen
• No pus or other discharge

• Viral conjunctivitis (part of a cold) is the main cause. Almost always involves both eyes.
• Allergic conjunctivitis from pollens
• Mild chemical conjunctivitis from irritants (e.g., sunscreen, soap, chlorinated pool water, smoke, or smog)
• Irritants transferred by touching the eye may just involve one eye (e.g., food or plant resins on the fingers)

• Pink eye with a watery discharge is harmless and mildly contagious. Children with colds in the eye do not need to miss any day care or school.

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

• Feels like something got in eye, see EYE - FOREIGN BODY
• Yellow or green pus in eye, see EYE - PUS OR DRAINAGE
• Main symptom is itchy eyes, see EYE - ALLERGY

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR RED EYE WITHOUT PUS

Treatment For Viral Eye Infections

1. Reassurance: Some viruses cause watery eyes (viral conjunctivitis). It may be the first symptom of a cold. It isn't serious and we can treat that at home. Colds can also cause a small amount of mucus to collect in the inner corner of the eye.
2. Eye Cleansing: Cleanse eyelids with warm water and a clean cotton ball at least every 2 hours while your child is awake and at home. This usually will keep a bacterial infection from occurring.
3. Artificial tears:
   • Artificial tears often make red eyes feel better.
   • Use 1 drop per eye three times a day. Use them after cleansing the eyelids.
   • Antibiotic and vasoconstrictor eyedrops do not help viral eye infections.
4. Contacts: Children with contact lenses need to switch to glasses temporarily (reason: to prevent damage to the cornea).
5. Contagiousness: Pink eye with a watery discharge is harmless and mildly contagious. Children with colds in the eye do not need to miss any day care or school. If asked, tell the school your child is on eyedrops (artificial tears).
6. Expected Course: Pink eye with a cold usually lasts about 7 days.
7. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Yellow or green discharge develops
   • Redness lasts for more than 1 week
   • Your child becomes worse

Treatment For Mild Eye Irritants

1. Reassurance: Most eye irritants cause transient redness of the eyes. We can treat that at home.
2. Face Cleansing: Wash the face with mild soap and water. Wash off eyelids with water. This will remove any irritants.
3. Eye Irrigation: Irrigate the eye with warm water for 5 minutes.
4. Eye Drops:
   • Red eyes from irritants usually feel much better after the irritant has been washed out.
   • If they remain uncomfortable and bloodshot, instill artificial tears or a long-acting vasoconstrictor eye drops (no prescription needed).
   • You can ask your pharmacist to recommend a brand.
   • Use 1 drop every 8 to 12 hours as necessary. 
5. Expected Course: After removal of the irritant, the eyes usually return to normal color in 1 to 2 hours.
6. Prevention: Try to avoid future exposure to the irritant.
   
7. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Develops yellow or green pus in the eye
   • Redness lasts over 7 days
   • Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.