Discharge

Is this your symptom?

• Yellow or green discharge (pus) in one or both eyes
• Dried pus on the eyelids and eyelashes (eyelashes may be stuck together after sleep)

Some Basics...

• Conjunctivitis is the medical term for an infection of the white parts of the eye and under the eyelids. This is also called pink eye. It can cause eye pus or discharge.
• Blurred eyesight or loss of eyesight is almost always serious. If eyesight is still blurry after wiping away the pus, a doctor's exam is needed.
• Eye pain is also a serious symptom. With mild conjunctivitis, the eyes can be itchy or irritated. However, if it hurts more than this, a doctor's exam is needed.

Causes

• Allergic Conjunctivitis: most often has itching and clear-white discharge.
• Bacterial Conjunctivitis: most often has thick, white-yellow or green discharge. It is treated with antibiotic eye drops.
• Chemical Conjunctivitis: Most often has eye irritation and tearing. It can happen after exposure to chemicals or fumes.
• Viral Conjunctivitis: most often has thin, clear-white discharge. It is hard to tell the difference between viral and bacterial conjunctivitis. It is often treated with prescription antibiotic eye drops.

What is Pinkeye?

"Pinkeye" is the term for a bacterial or viral infection that causes the conjunctivitis. Symptoms vary and can include:

• Mild discomfort, burning, or irritation of the eye(s)
• White portions of the eye(s) may or may not be pink or red
• Puffy eyelids
• Tearing or water eyes