Wash hands frequently and avoid touching/rubbing the eyes
Do not share towels, pillows, or eye makeup
Stop wearing contact lenses immediately
Discard current contact lenses and eye makeup
Use preservative-free artificial tears as needed
Apply a cool or warm compress (whichever feels more soothing) for 5–10 minutes, several times daily
Gently clean eyelids and lashes with sterile saline or clean water and a clean cloth/cotton pad
If symptoms are likely allergic (itching, watery discharge, both eyes): use antihistamine/mast-cell stabilizer eye drops as directed on the label or by a clinician
If symptoms are bacterial (thick yellow/green discharge, eyelids stuck shut): seek medical care for possible prescription antibiotic eye drops or ointment
If symptoms are viral (watery discharge, gritty feeling, recent cold, often one eye then the other): supportive care (artificial tears, compresses) and avoid close contact; seek care if severe or worsening
If symptoms are severe, involve pain, light sensitivity, vision changes, or inability to keep the eye open: get urgent ophthalmic care
Seek urgent care if there is a contact lens–related infection, eye injury/foreign body, chemical exposure, or immunocompromised status
Avoid steroid eye drops unless prescribed by an eye clinician
Do not use leftover or someone else’s eye drops
Replace or discard eye drops that may be contaminated (especially if used previously by others)
Go to urgent care/eye doctor if not improving within 24–48 hours (or sooner if worsening)