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What are viral eye infections?
- Infections of the eye caused by viruses.
- It usually occurs as part of a cold.
What are the symptoms of viral eye infections?
- The white part of the eyes looks very pink or red.
- Sometimes the eyelids can be puffy.
- The eyes can be watery. The drainage is usually clear.
- Your child say that their eyes hurt. Sometimes they might feel itchy.
- Your child might also have other cold symptoms like stuffy or runny nose, fever, and cough.
- Symptoms usually last for about 1 week.
How are viral eye infections diagnosed?
- Your child’s provider can diagnose this condition after hearing about your child’s symptoms and performing a physical exam.
- If your child has other symptoms like fever or ear pain, or if they are very young – this will need to be an in-office visit.
How can I prevent viral eye infections?
- Good handwashing is the best way to prevent spread.
- Teach your child not to touch their eyes.
- Avoid sharing washcloths and towels.
How is this treated?
- Clean the eyes:
- Use a clean warm wet washcloth or warm wet cotton balls.
- Artificial Tears:
- These drops can make the eyes feel better.
- They are available without a prescription.
- Be sure to only use eye drops that do not have any medications in them.
- Learn how to administer eye drops here.
- Because this is caused by a virus, antibiotic eye drops are not needed.
- Use a cool compress (like an ice-pack or washcloth) if your child is complaining of pain or discomfort.
- Contact lenses
- If your child wears contact lenses, they need to switch to using their glasses until this infection has cleared.
- If their contacts are disposable, they should throw them away and start with a new pair after their infection has cleared.
- If the contacts are not disposable, they should be disinfected before using again.
- Treat your child’s other cold symptoms.
When to call your child’s provider:
- Your child has fever or ear pain with the eye drainage.
- Your child’s eyelids have become very swollen or red.
- Your child is having difficulty seeing, double vision, asymmetric or painful eye movements, or they tell you things look “funny” or “different”.
- Your child develops large amounts of yellow/white/green drainage from the eyes.
- Your child’s symptoms are not improving after 1 week.
- You have other questions, concerns or feel your child needs to be seen.
This publication was adapted from information from American Academy of Pediatrics patient education materials.
Reviewed by: AR D.O., TT D.O | 01/2024