Question 1

my daughter has green boogers coming from her eyes. is this conjunctivitis or common cold?

Accepted Answer

Conjunctivitis: Viral conjunctivitis associated with the common cold usually produces watery discharge.  Thick ocular mucus usually means bacterial conjunctivitis and often requires antibiotic therapy.

Question 2

after or during a cold, without conjunctivitis. my eyes are immune to the same serotype of the  virus too or only the respiratory system?

Accepted Answer

Generalized: If the cause of the cold is a virus that could cause conjunctivitis, then your conquest of the cold will immunize you against conjunctivitis from that particular strain.

Question 3

what should i do to help my eye conjunctivitis?

Accepted Answer

Hygiene: The by far most common cause of conjunctivitis is viral.  There is no actual treatment for this.  You should keep the eye clean, and take care not to spread the condition to your family, coworkers and friends.  These are self limited conditions which will self heal in 3-10 days in most cases.

Question 4

can i go to work as usual with conjunctivitis of eye?

Accepted Answer

Maybe...: The common "pink eye" question!  it all depends!  if you have something as contagious as adenoviral conjunctivitis (aka epidemic adenoviral conjunctivitis) you most certainly shouldn't go to work and take precautions to prevent spread even at home.  Many causes of acute conjunctivitis are not contagious and your ophthalmologist can make this determination and treat you appropriately.

Question 5

can you get conjunctivitis (pink eye) more than once?

Accepted Answer

Yes: 'pink eye' is a lay term for a viral infection of the outside of the eye.  Just as one can get a cold more than once, one can acquire viral conjunctivitis more than once.  Recurrent conjunctivitis is more common in people who are contact lens wearers and those with immune system disorders.

Question 6

does keeping eye closed help a case of conjunctivitis?

Accepted Answer

Not really: Conjunctivitis is a symptom of an underlying problem.  If keeping the eye closed is more comfortable then that is ok but there is no real need.  Sometime things like a corneal abrasion which causes eye redness can be help with patching but in general, it's best to keep the eye open.

Question 7

how long does pink eye associated with conjunctivitis last?

Accepted Answer

Bacterial Course: Conjunctivis caused by bacteria can cause thick drainage from eye.  With use of antibiotic drop, drainage clears within 72 hrs and eye redness may continue 7-10 days with gradual improvement.
After using eyedrops for 24 hours, and if pus is minimal, children can return to day care or school.

Question 8

how to sleep when you have conjunctivitis crud in your eyes?

Accepted Answer

Eye discharge: If you have an active conjunctivitis, appropriate  topical therapy (drops and/or ointment) should resolve this problem in a few days and sleeping will not be a problem.  Then follow with good hygiene.

Question 9

what should you do when you have conjunctivitis or pink eye?

Accepted Answer

Pink eye!: You need to identify the underlying cause.  Is it infectious (viral, bacterial, fungal), allergic, dry eye, or some other systemic or autoimmune condition.  Try artificial tears and oral omega-3's (evoa dry eye supplements).  You may need prescription drops, see an eye md.

Question 10

for the experts - might you apply breastmilk on your eyes if you suspect you have conjunctivitis?

Accepted Answer

No: I would not do this, as placing foriegn substances in the eyes may not be good for your eye health.

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Doctor answers about:

Conjunctivitis vs cold in eye

A member asked:

My daughter has green boogers coming from her eyes. is this conjunctivitis or common cold?

A member asked:

After or during a cold, without conjunctivitis. my eyes are immune to the same serotype of the virus too or only the respiratory system?

A member asked:

What should i do to help my eye conjunctivitis?

A member asked:

Can i go to work as usual with conjunctivitis of eye?

A member asked:

Can you get conjunctivitis (pink eye) more than once?

A member asked:

Does keeping eye closed help a case of conjunctivitis?

A member asked:

How long does pink eye associated with conjunctivitis last?

A member asked:

How to sleep when you have conjunctivitis crud in your eyes?

A member asked:

What should you do when you have conjunctivitis or pink eye?

A member asked:

For the experts - might you apply breastmilk on your eyes if you suspect you have conjunctivitis?

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