What Causes White Mucoid Discharge From Eye?

Posted on Tue, 6 Jan 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 6 Jan 2015 Answered on

Fri, 23 Jan 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Got a bacterial respiratory infection treated w/ cefadroxil and new sypmtom is cloudy white mucous in one of my eyes. Should I go now to an emergency room?

Answered by Dr. Dadapeer K (50 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
The symptoms indicate conjunctivitis.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to Health care Magic.

I am Dr. Dadapeer K, an ophthalmologist and I answer health problems related to eye.

I reviewed your history. It seems from the history that you are having white mucoid discharge in the eye following respiratory tract infection.
These symptoms indicate infection of the eye in the form of conjunctivitis.
This requires treatment by the use of antibiotic eye drops.
I prefer to use broad spectrum antibiotic eye drops like Moxifloxacin eye drops.

If possible do send a photo of the affected eye so that I can confirm the diagnosis and advice you accordingly.

Hope this is helpful to you.

Do write back to me for further questions.

Thank you
With regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dadapeer K (33 minutes later)

Can this wait on treatment for 6-8 hours when doc office open?

Answered by Dr. Dadapeer K (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You can wait for 6-8 hours.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thank you for the follow up question.

You can wait for 6-8 hours but to prevent infection if available it is better to start antibiotic eye drops one drop once in 2-3 hours. This will prevent infection. The use of antibiotic eye drops is safe also and it will cause no harm. Later if required the treatment can be changed accordingly as per the advice of your eye doctor.

Hope this is helpful to you.
Do write back to me for further questions.

Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar