It is the most common cause of a red, painful eye. Often the eyelids are stuck together on awakening, and must be opened by cleansing with warm water. To prevent contagion, patients should wash their hands frequently, not touch their eyes, not wear contact lens, and avoid direct contact with others.
Empirical treatment is with broad spectrum topical ocular antibiotics.
If rapid clearing is not achieved, another visit to your physician may be indicated to rule out allergic conjunctivitis, or other eye conditions. As always we at the University of Houston Health Center are on hand to answer any questions.