Adenovirus and red eyes

It may begin in one eye and then involve the other. Some people also have a sore throat, runny nose or fever. Antibiotic eye drops do not treat the virus, although a clinician may prescribe treatment if another cause is suspected.

The virus inflames the conjunctiva, the thin surface covering the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. Discharge is often watery rather than thick, but dried fluid may make the lashes sticky after sleep. Similar redness can come from allergy, bacteria, a foreign body or other eye conditions, so symptoms alone do not always identify the cause.

Adenoviral eye infection spreads readily through contaminated hands, towels, pillowcases, cosmetics and frequently touched surfaces. People can pass it on while their eyes are watering or producing discharge.

Wash your hands before and after touching your face, avoid rubbing the eyes, and use a clean cloth or cotton pad for each eye. Do not share towels, eye drops, cosmetics or contact-lens equipment. Stop wearing contact lenses until the eyes are comfortable and a clinician says it is appropriate to restart; replace or disinfect lenses and their case as directed.

A cool compress and preservative-free lubricating drops may ease irritation. Do not use steroid eye drops or someone else's medication, because these can worsen some eye problems or delay the right diagnosis.

Arrange prompt assessment for eye pain, sensitivity to light, blurred or reduced vision, marked swelling, a possible injury, or symptoms that are worsening rather than settling. A contact-lens wearer with a red or painful eye should remove the lens and obtain urgent clinical advice because the cornea may be involved.

Seek emergency help after chemical exposure: rinse the eye continuously with clean water while arranging care. Babies with red eyes or discharge also need timely medical assessment.

Ask whether the cornea appears affected, when contact lenses can be worn again, which lubricating drops are suitable, and what changes should trigger reassessment. Mention recent respiratory illness, close contacts with similar symptoms, eye injury, new products and every eye medicine already used.