eye flue drop - #15137
I am kinda freaking out right now. Last week, I started noticing some redness in my eyes, and they’ve like been itching all the time. I thought maybe it was just allergies or something, but then I got this weird thick mucous coming out, like really bothersome. A friend mentioned eye flue drop could help, but I’m not even sure what that really is. I tried searching online and found some info, but it’s all kinda confusing. I don't know if it’s even the right thing for me. My vision hasn't been blurred, but those itchiness and redness are driving me up the wall. Also, should I even use eye flue drop if it’s just a mild case? I mean, is that gonna make things worse or better? I'm kinda worried about needing a prescription or if I should just go to the pharmacy. What do you all think? Anyone ever used eye flue drop for something like this? I really need some advice before I end up making it worse! Just really want this gone!
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Doctors’ responses
What you’ve described sounds like it might be conjunctivitis, often referred to as pink eye. The symptoms like redness, itchiness, and mucous discharge fit that picture. Conjunctivitis can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, or by allergens and irritants. Differentiating between these is important because the treatment will differ. Generally, bacterial conjunctivitis might benefit from antibiotic eye drops prescribed by a healthcare professional. Viral conjunctivitis tends to resolve on its own over time, although moisturizing eye drops can help relieve symptoms. Allergic conjunctivitis, on the other hand, might respond well to antihistamine eye drops or oral antihistamines. Since you mentioned “eye flue drop,” which possibly refers to eye drops marketed for flu-like viral infections, it’s essential to note that there’s no specific eye drop that directly treats viral infections like viral conjunctivitis. However, lubricating or artificial tears can help alleviate dryness and discomfort. Over-the-counter artificial tears can often be purchased without a prescription and could provide some relief if your symptoms are mild and not worsening. Before trying anything, it’s worthwhile to clean your eyes gently with a clean, damp cloth and avoid touching or rubbing them, as it can aggravate the condition or spread an infection if that’s what’s going on. If symptoms persist, worsen, or you’re concerned about using the wrong product, consulting with a healthcare professional is a prudent step. They can examine your eye, differentiate between bacterial, viral, or allergic causes, and prescribe the appropriate treatment if necessary. Particularly, if you start experiencing blurred vision, pain, or light sensitivity, these can be signs of a more serious issue needing urgent attention. Getting a tailored recommendation will reduce the risk of self-treatment causing any complications. Also, be sure to practice good hygiene — like washing hands regularly and avoiding sharing towels — to prevent spreading any infectious forms of conjunctivitis.
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