“A cold in the eye” is most likely viral conjunctivitis, which may be part of a systemic viral infection or an infection where the signs of the problem are only in the eye. 

The symptoms of viral conjunctivitis can include: watery or a mucus-like (more watery than pure mucus) discharge; burning, sandy, or gritty feeling in one eye; crustiness in the morning followed by watery discharge; possibly a very small amount of mucus in the eye throughout the day. 

The 2^nd eye usually becomes involved within 24 – 48 hours after the initial eye started producing symptoms. 

When it comes to viral conjunctivitis, OTC medications only work to treat the symptoms, not the infection. 

OTC anithistamines/decongestant eye drops available on the market are Ocuhist and Naphcon-A, which both have generics. 

If using these eye drops, put 1 to 2 drops in the affected eye(s) 4 times a day, as needed. Do not use these eye drops for more than 3 weeks! 

There are also lubricant eye drops, like Hypotears, Refresh, Tears II, and their generics on the shelves that may help relieve the irritation caused by the viral infection. 

Instill 1 to 2 drops of the eye lubricant drop every 1 hour to 4 times a day, as needed.

In addition, there are eye lubricant ointments available over-the-counter that work the same way as the lubricant eye drops do.  The options are Lacrilube and Refresh PM, both of which have generics. 

The directions of use for the ointments are to apply ½ inch strip at bedtime or 4 times a day, as needed. 

Systemic agents, such as Benadryl, Claritin, or Zyrtec are not useful for viral conjunctivitis. 

You may begin to feel better within days of the start of your infection, but the more likely scenario is that your symptoms would get worse for the first 3 to 5 days, with a very gradual recovery over the next 1 to 2 weeks.  This means the total course of viral infection would be 2 to 3 weeks long!  Yikes! 

That just about wraps this discussion up. 

Suffering from “a cold in the eye?”  Anything to add?  Have any other treatment recommendations?  If so, post a blurb below so the rest of our blog family members can be more informed! 

Hope to hear from you soon.  Oh yes, don’t forget about our FREE video course that will help you find ways to save money on your prescription drugs.