Eye Burning, Itching, and Discharge

Here's what to do for eye burning, itching and discharge. Follow the steps below:

1. Is vision decreased?
   if YES: see doctor today!
   if NO: proceed to #2.

2. Is the pupil irregular, or is there pain on exposure to bright light?
   if YES: see doctor today!
   if NO: proceed to #3.

3. Does this discharge resemble pus? Is it thick, greenish, or yellow-green?
   if YES: see doctor today!
   if NO: use home treatment

HOME TREATMENT

If a physical, chemical, or allergic exposure is the cause of the symptoms, the most important thing is avoiding exposure. Dark glasses, goggles at work, houses and cars with air-conditioning to filter the air, avoidance of chlorinated swimming pools, and other such measures are appropriate.

Antihistamines, either over-the-counter or by prescription, may help slightly if the problem is an allergy, but don't expect total relief without a good deal of drowsiness from the medication. Similarly, a viral infection related to a cold or flu will run its course in a few days, and it is best to be patient.

If the eye irritation doesn't clear up, if the discharge gets thicker, or if you have eye pain or a problem with vision, see your doctor. Don't expect a fever with bacterial infection of the eye; it may be absent. Because the infection is superficial, washing the eye gently with a boric acid solution (follow directions on the label) will help remove some of the bacteria, but you should still see a doctor. Eye drops ( Murine, Visine, etc.) may soothe minor conjunctivitis but won't cure it.

Burning eyes may be a call to social action. If the smoking of others around you is annoying, say so. If an industrial plant in your are is polluting, get the company to clean up its act.


WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE DOCTOR'S OFFICE

The doctor will check vision, eye motion, eyelids, and the reaction of the pupil to light. An ophthalmologist may perform a slit-lamp examination. Antihistamines may be prescribed, and general advice may be given. Antibiotic eye drops or ointments are frequently given. Cortisone-like eye ointments should be prescribed infrequently; certain infections (herpes) may get worse with these medicines. If herpes is diagnosed- usually by an ophthalmologist- special eye drops and other medicines will be needed.


Source: Take Care of Yourself by Vickery and Fries. 6th Ed.