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What Do White And Thick Drainage From The Eyes Indicate?
Question: Having drainage of my left eye. I do not have allergies. Drainage is white and thick. Has been going on for a little over 2 weeks. Any suggestions, other than to make an appointment to see a physician?
Brief Answer:
Conjunctivitis is likely- antibiotics and control contagiosity
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for asking at HCM.
I carefully read your question and understand your concern.
White thick secretions from the eye happen with bacterial conjunctivitis . It is a very superficial infection and does not damage the eye. If you have no pain and no visual changes than you can:
1. have antibiotic eye drops or ointment. Drops are more preferred for adults but need to be applied more often ( every 2-3 hours 3 days, every 4-5 hours 2 days and every 8 hours 3-4 more days).
2. wash hands with warm water and soap every time before and after touching the eye. it is contagious.
3. use the drops on the eye that has no problems at least 3 times a day to prevent infection
4. use personal towels so others are not affected.
5. do not use steroids in the eye- they might hurt the eye in some infections.
6. if pain or visual aquity changes please sick urgent medical care.
7. sometimes sexually transmitted infections might cause serious eye infections so if you have increased vaginal secretions please have a gynecological visit even though this is rare in your age.
8. If it comes back or no improvement than tear duct blockage might be considered and be checked for that.
Hope this is helpful and answers to your questionbut please let me know if anymore clarifications are needed.
Kind regards
Dr Antoneta Zotaj
Conjunctivitis is likely- antibiotics and control contagiosity
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for asking at HCM.
I carefully read your question and understand your concern.
White thick secretions from the eye happen with bacterial conjunctivitis . It is a very superficial infection and does not damage the eye. If you have no pain and no visual changes than you can:
1. have antibiotic eye drops or ointment. Drops are more preferred for adults but need to be applied more often ( every 2-3 hours 3 days, every 4-5 hours 2 days and every 8 hours 3-4 more days).
2. wash hands with warm water and soap every time before and after touching the eye. it is contagious.
3. use the drops on the eye that has no problems at least 3 times a day to prevent infection
4. use personal towels so others are not affected.
5. do not use steroids in the eye- they might hurt the eye in some infections.
6. if pain or visual aquity changes please sick urgent medical care.
7. sometimes sexually transmitted infections might cause serious eye infections so if you have increased vaginal secretions please have a gynecological visit even though this is rare in your age.
8. If it comes back or no improvement than tear duct blockage might be considered and be checked for that.
Hope this is helpful and answers to your questionbut please let me know if anymore clarifications are needed.
Kind regards
Dr Antoneta Zotaj
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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