JMU - Self Care Guidelines
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Self Care Guidelines
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Please review this information to help assess your symptoms. A print format (.pdf) can be found on this website under Diseases and Illnesses.
Conjunctivitis (“pink eye”) is an inflammation of the clear membrane lining the inside of the eyelids and covering the eyeball itself. In adults, about 70% of the time, it is caused viruses, is self-limited (resolves on its own), and does not improve with antibiotic drops. It is contagious to others by direct contact with the drainage, eye to hand/fingers to another’s hands to their eyes.
Signs and symptoms include redness, itching or burning, pain, discharge, watery or pustular (thick yellow/green mucus), crusting or stuck closed on awakening, swelling of the eyelids, and upper respiratory illness symptoms (cough, nasal congestion or discharge).
Reasons to seek health care immediately (EMERGENCY DEPT OR UHC Urgent Care hours)
- Severe pain in or behind the eye
- Suspicion of foreign object or substance, or injury as the cause
- Fever over 102 that is not improved by Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®)
Reasons to seek health care within 24 hours(make an appointment at UHC)
- No improvement in 3 to 4 days
- Progressive pain
- Recurring fever
- Vision is affected
If none of the above, read self care information below to help your symptoms:
For home treatment
- Over the counter moisturizing drops (artificial tears)
- Cool compresses
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or Ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®) or generics, for discomfort or pain, following the label instructions.
- Do not wear contact lenses
To prevent it from spreading to your other eye or other persons
- Do not wear contact lenses or eye makeup, or share eye makeup. Discard mascara.
- Do not touch or rub the affected eye
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer
- Dispose of tissue or launder any cloth used to wipe the discharge
- When resolved, use a new set of contacts
Self Care Guidelines
