What to do when your friends say your eye is red

A red eye or conjunctivitis is a common problem. Some red eyes are due to infectious causes. Viral conjunctivitis or “pink eye,” is very contagious. Infected individuals often have a prominent watery discharge from their eyes. This watery discharge is contagious and the hearty virus can remain on infectious on surfaces for several hours. The eye is often crusted or mattered shut in the morning.

Dr. Thompson asks his patients who are infected to follow a list of contact precautions to prevent family members and friends from becoming infected. To reduce your risk of an eye infection, Dr. Thompson recommends that you avoid rubbing your eyes. “If your eyes are irritated, use artificial tears. If you must touch around your eyes, wash your hands first.” If you have a viral conjunctivitis, you should not share towels or pillow cases. Be careful not to touch around your unaffected eye. Half of the folks who get a viral conjunctivitis spread it to their other eye.

Not all red eyes are viral conjunctivitis. If you are not sure, you should call to schedule an appointment with Dr. Thompson or your local eye care professional.