Eyes & Conjunctivitis
Eyelid swelling or infection?
Do you have thick discharge from your eyes or swollen, red eye lids?
Are your eyelids sticking together upon awakening with a gritty or scratchy feeling in the eye?
Be seen right away vita TeleHealth and receive treatment. VitaLink Has got you covered!
Conjunctivitis Caused by Infection
Infections are caused by viruses or bacteria. Treatment includes keeping your eyes and hands clean. Your healthcare provider may prescribe eye drops. They may also tell you to stay home from work or school if you’re contagious. Untreated infections can be serious. It's important to see your provider for a diagnosis.
Viral infections
A cold, flu, or other virus can spread to your eyes. This causes a watery discharge. Your eyes may burn or itch and get red. Your eyelids may also be puffy and sore.
Bacterial Infections
Bacterial infections often happen in one eye. There may be a watery or a thick discharge from the eye. These infections can cause serious damage to your eye if not treated promptly.
Bacterial infections Conjunctivitis
The infection is called conjunctivitis. The most common symptoms of conjunctivitis are a thick, puslike discharge from the eye, swollen eyelids, redness, eyelids sticking together upon awakening, and a gritty or scratchy feeling in the eye. Your infection was caused by bacteria. It may be treated with medicine.
Treatments Offered:
Your healthcare provider may prescribe eye drops or ointment to kill the bacteria. Use the medicine for the number of days it is prescribed. Don't stop using it when the symptoms improve.
Most viral infections go away on their own. Artificial tears and cool compresses can relieve symptoms. Your healthcare provider may also prescribe eye drops. A viral infection can be very contagious and spread quickly.
With treatment, the infection takes about 7 to 10 days to resolve.
• If you use contact lenses, follow your healthcare provider's instructions on proper lens care.
Stye
A stye is when the oil gland of the eyelid becomes inflamed. It may develop into an infection with a small pocket of pus (an abscess). This can cause pain, redness, and swelling. In early stages, a stye is treated with antibiotic ointment, eye drops, or a small towel soaked in warm water (a warm compress). More severe cases may need to be opened and drained by an eye specialist.