Allergies and yellow eye discharge

Allergic conjunctivitis commonly presents with itching, watering, redness and symptoms in both eyes. Stringy mucus can occur, yet pus-like yellow or green discharge that returns after wiping is more suggestive of infectious conjunctivitis than allergy alone. Crusting on waking does not establish the cause because tears and mucus can dry overnight.

One-sided symptoms, marked eyelid swelling, a gritty sensation or recent contact with someone who has a red eye may guide the assessment. Contact-lens wear matters because redness and discharge in a lens wearer can involve the cornea and warrants prompt professional review.

Wash your hands before and after touching the area. Gently clear discharge with clean water and a fresh pad, wiping each eye with a separate pad. Avoid rubbing, sharing towels, using eye makeup or putting leftover prescription drops into the eye.

Stop wearing contact lenses and keep them out until symptoms have resolved and an eye professional says they can be resumed. A cool compress may soothe itching. A pharmacist or clinician can advise whether an allergy treatment is appropriate, but thick discharge, persistent redness or uncertain symptoms deserve examination rather than self-treatment alone.

Obtain urgent eye care for reduced or blurred vision that does not clear after blinking, significant eye pain, sensitivity to light, an eye injury, chemical exposure, a cloudy spot on the front of the eye, or severe headache with nausea. Contact-lens wearers with a painful red eye or discharge should be assessed promptly.

Arrange a routine clinical review when yellow discharge keeps returning, the eyelids are increasingly swollen, symptoms spread, or the problem fails to settle. A newborn with eye discharge needs prompt medical assessment.

Tell the clinician whether itching or pain dominates, which eye started first, what the discharge looks like, and whether you use contact lenses. Ask if the cornea is clear, whether drops are needed, how to prevent spread, and when lenses or makeup can safely be used again.