Yellow eye discharge with a cold: what to know

A cold can occur at the same time as conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the thin membrane covering the eye and inner eyelid. The eye may look red, feel gritty or watery, and have discharge that sticks the lashes together after sleep. Discharge alone cannot identify the cause: viral irritation, bacterial infection, allergy, and a blocked tear-drainage pathway can produce overlapping symptoms.

Allergic conjunctivitis more often brings itchiness and watering, sometimes affecting both eyes. A clinician can examine the eye and consider the pattern of discharge, redness, eyelid swelling, and cold symptoms before advising treatment.

Wash your hands before and after touching the eye. Gently wipe crusting away with clean cotton or a clean cloth moistened with cooled boiled water, using a fresh piece for each wipe and each eye. Avoid contact lenses and eye makeup until the eye is comfortable and clear; replace or clean items as advised before using them again.

Do not share towels, pillows, washcloths, or eye drops. Avoid using leftover antibiotic drops or steroid eye drops, because the right treatment depends on the cause and some drops can be unsuitable for certain eye problems.

Get urgent assessment for reduced or blurred vision, severe eye pain, marked sensitivity to light, an injured eye, a chemical splash, or a very swollen eyelid. Contact a clinician promptly if you wear contact lenses and develop a red or painful eye, or if discharge and redness are getting worse rather than improving. Seek advice for a young baby with a red, sticky eye.

Ask whether the findings fit conjunctivitis, allergy, or another eye condition, and whether drops are needed. Mention contact lens use, one-sided versus both-eye symptoms, recent exposure to someone with an eye infection, and any change in sight. Ask when it is reasonable to return to lenses, work, school, or close-contact activities.