Wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes
Use a clean warm compress on the affected eye for 5 to 10 minutes several times a day
Gently clean any discharge with a clean, damp cloth or cotton pad
Use artificial tears to help relieve irritation
Avoid contact lenses until the eye is fully healed
Throw away or replace eye makeup and contact lens supplies used during the infection
Do not share towels, pillows, washcloths, or eye products
Stay home from work, school, or daycare if the eye is very red or draining
Use over-the-counter pain relief if needed and if safe for you
Seek medical care if you have severe pain, vision changes, light sensitivity, a lot of swelling, symptoms that worsen, or no improvement after a few days