Managing Sticky Eyes Due to a Cold: Relief & When to See a Doctor

A head cold often affects the eyes, causing the eyes to feel sticky. The eyes may feel "glued shut" from the dried matter, but the discharge will usually disappear as the head cold improves. It is important to keep the eyes comfortable and know when to contact an eye doctor.

Warm Compress

• Close the eye and hold a warm, wet cloth against the sticky eye for five minutes a few times a day. This will help keep the eyes comfortable and possibly ease the discharge.

Artificial Tears

• Using non-prescription artificial tears may help keep the surface of the eye comfortable. The artificial tears may also help clear away any matter in the eye.

Diagnosis

• When symptoms persist, contact an eye care professional for an examination. The doctor will use a special microscope to look at the front of the eye and determine the cause of the eye discharge.

Prescription Drops

• The sticky eye may be caused by an infection, and an eye doctor may prescribe eye drops. Some patients begin to feel relief after the first use.

Considerations

• If vision changes or eye stickiness does not improve, contact an eye doctor. When medicated eye drops are prescribed, use the drops on the recommended schedule, and do not end their use early, even if symptoms improve.