06/05/2026
SUPPORTIVE CARE for VIRAL CONJUNCTIVITIS
Artificial tears / lubricating eye drops
May help relieve dryness, irritation, and foreign-body sensation. Prefer preservative-free drops if used frequently.
Cold compress
Apply a clean cool compress for 5–10 minutes to help lessen redness, itching, swelling, and discomfort.
Gentle eye cleaning
Wipe discharge using clean cotton or gauze moistened with clean water or sterile saline. Use a separate cotton/gauze per eye.
Hand hygiene prevents spread
Wash hands often. Avoid sharing towels, pillows, face cloths, eye drops, and toys.
Avoid rubbing the eyes
Rubbing can worsen irritation and spread infection to the other eye or to other children.
Antibiotic eye drops are usually NOT needed
Viral conjunctivitis does not respond to antibiotics. Use antibiotics only if bacterial infection is suspected or prescribed by a doctor.
Keep child home when contagious
Best to avoid school/daycare while with active eye discharge, frequent tearing, or poor hand hygiene. Return when symptoms are improving and the child can avoid rubbing/touching the eyes.
See a doctor urgently if:
Eye pain, blurred vision, severe light sensitivity, marked eyelid swelling, worsening redness, fever, symptoms in a newborn, contact lens use, trauma/chemical exposure, or no improvement after several days.
