Wash your hands often
Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes
Clean eye discharge with a clean, warm, damp cloth
Use a new clean cloth or cotton pad for each wipe
Do not share towels, pillows, makeup, or eye drops
Stop using contact lenses until the infection is gone
Throw away or replace contact lenses and lens cases if advised
Use artificial tears for comfort
Apply a cool compress for itching or swelling
Apply a warm compress for crusting or discharge
Use prescribed antibiotic eye drops or ointment if bacterial
Take prescribed antiviral medicine if viral
Use allergy medicine or antihistamine eye drops if allergic
Stay home from work, school, or daycare until it is no longer contagious
See a doctor if symptoms are severe, worsening, or not improving
Get urgent care for eye pain, vision changes, light sensitivity, or severe swelling