viral conjuctivitis

The doctor  diagnosed it as viral conjctivitis.  I had it on both eyes, it came suddenly last Friday 6 days, and the eyes were very red on both eyes.

I was given anti-biotic eye drop (chlorophenicol 0.5%) and ointment (chlortetracycline to apply, though the doctor said that it will not help cure the viral infection but could prevent any bacteria infection.  I was also prescribed Hypermellose eye drop to smooth the eyes.

The eyes are tearing badly and every20minutes or so I need to wipe off the tears, even during sleep,  I notice a sweeling of the cornea on the left eye.  The eyes are puffy and very red.  

My question is:  I know that there is no cure for viral conjunctivitis, just like a bad cold, and its self-limiting.  However are these symptoms that I have, expected of viral conjuctivities.  How long will the tearing, swollen cornea and red swollen eye last before I could expect the severity to start to subside.

I had never had vred evyes before.  2 weeks ago I was sent to the A&E eye clinic -  cos of fa sudden onset of lashes and floaters.  However the eye doctor did not find any retina tear after examination and was put under observation.  10 days or so later I have this viral conjunctivities.   I was of the thouhgt that I could have been infected at the evye clinic,

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Viral conjunctivitis can cat 10 to 21 days to clear and some times EKC can leave white deposits in the cornea that can blur vision for months and rquire steroid drops to make them fade.

The time frame doesn't work on your visit to the eye clinic. The incubation time for this type of infection is 3-5 days.

If your symptoms get worse return for a re exam you may need steroid drops.

JCH MD