What should you know about flu symptoms eye discharge?

Watery eyes can accompany a viral respiratory illness or irritation. Itching in both eyes, with sneezing or a runny nose, is more consistent with an allergic pattern such as allergic conjunctivitis. Thick discharge, crusting on the lashes, redness, and discomfort can occur with conjunctivitis, which may be infectious or non-infectious.

Eye discharge does not identify its cause on its own. Note whether one or both eyes are affected, whether vision has changed, and whether pain, light sensitivity, or swelling is present.

Clean crusts gently with clean, warm water and a fresh pad for each eye. Wash hands before and after touching the area, avoid sharing towels or cosmetics, and do not wear contact lenses until symptoms have settled and a clinician says it is safe. Avoid rubbing your eyes.

A pharmacist or clinician can advise whether lubricating drops or another treatment is appropriate. Do not use someone else's eye drops, and avoid drops containing medicine unless they have been recommended for you.

Seek urgent eye care for severe pain, reduced or blurred vision, strong light sensitivity, marked swelling around the eye, an injury, or a red eye while wearing contact lenses. Obtain medical advice if discharge is persistent, symptoms are spreading, or a baby has a red or sticky eye.

Ask whether the discharge looks allergic, viral, or bacterial, whether you should avoid work or school, and when contact lenses or eye makeup can be used again.