Eye burning, itching & discharge

Alternative names:

burning eyes; itching - burning eyes

Home care:

Apply warm compresses to soften crusts on the eyelids. For bacterial infections, washing the eye(s) gently will help remove some of the bacteria; but your health care provider should still be contacted. Eyedrops (such as Visine) may soothe minor conjunctivitis, but will not cure the problem.

Avoid touching the affected eye to prevent cross-contamination of the unaffected eye. Wash hands frequently.

Antihistamines may help if the problem is an allergy, but the side effects of drowsiness may not be worth it.

Prevent further problems. For eye problems caused by physical, chemical, or allergic exposure, avoid the exposure. Dark glasses, goggles at work or skiing, closing doors and windows at home, using cars with air-conditioning to filter the air, and avoiding chlorinated swimming pools are all recommended to prevent eye problems.

For viral infections (colds or flu), it is best to be patient for a few days while they run their course.

Call your health care provider if:

• vision is decreased.
• a pupil is irregular or if there is pain on exposure to bright light.
• the discharge is thick, greenish, or resembles pus.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting your symptom in detail may include:

• What does the eye drainage look like?
  • Is it thick?
  • Is it yellow?
  • Does it look like pus?
  • Is it green?
  • Is it bloody?
  • Is it clear?

• other
  • What other symptoms are also present?
  • Is there decreased vision?
  • Is there eye pain?
  • Is there photophobia (light sensitivity)?

The physical examination may include a check of vision, eye motion, eyelids, and the reaction of pupils to light.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include blood culture and sensitivity studies.

Intervention:
Antihistamines (in the form of eye-drops or ointments) may be prescribed. Cortisone-like eye ointments may be prescribed infrequently; it will reduce many types of inflammation but certain infections (such as herpes) can get worse with this medication.

After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to eye burning, itching, and discharge, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.