Are You Sick?

Eye - Pus or Discharge

Symptoms of Bacterial Eye Infection

  • Lots of yellow or green pus in the eye that keeps coming back during the day
  • The eyelids and eyelashes are stuck together after sleep
  • Caution: a little dried pus on the eyelids and eyelashes can be normal with a cold
  • The whites of the eye may or may not be red or pink
  • The eyelids are often puffy

Causes of Eye with Pus

  • Viral Pink Eye is a viral infection of the eyes and is the most common cause of pink eye in adults. Main symptom is pinkness of the white parts of the eyes. The eyes are also watery. Most often, there is no pus or small amounts after sleep. Usually affects both eyes.
  • Bacterial Pink Eye is a bacterial infection of the eye. The main symptom is eyelids stuck together with pus after sleep. Also, the pus keeps coming back while awake. Can be present in 1 or both eyes. 
  • Normal Discharge. A small amount of dried mucus only in the corner of the eye. A collection of mucus can be cream colored. Often due to an irritant that got in the eye from dirty hands. Needs no treatment except wiping it away with warm water.
  • Herpes Simplex/Cold Sore Virus (serious) can cause eye infections, long term changes to sight, blisters and pain. May cause a painful ulcer on the cornea (clear part at the front of the eye), the eyelid and deeper tissues inside the eye. Often happens to adults who have had cold sores. Seek care from a doctor right away to prevent vision damage.
  • Foreign Object in Eye (serious). Small bits of sand, dirt or sawdust can be blown into the eyes. The grit often gets stuck under the upper eyelid. If not removed, the eye reacts by making pus. The main clue is an eye infection that does not get better with using antibiotic eyedrops.
  • Eyelid Cellulitis (serious) is a deep infection of the eyelid and tissues around it. The main symptom is a red, swollen, very tender eyelid. The eye can be swollen shut; usually just on one side. This can be a problem caused by bacterial conjunctivitis. The eye infection spreads inward. More often this is caused by a sinus infection. That type occurs without any pus in the eye.