To address an eye infection effectively within 24 hours, immediate and appropriate actions are crucial, though complete cure in such a short time can depend on the infection type and severity.

Immediate Steps to Manage Eye Infection in 24 Hours

• Maintain strict hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes and avoid rubbing or touching the infected eye to prevent spreading the infection

• Remove contact lenses: Do not wear contact lenses until the infection clears

• Apply warm or cold compresses: Use a warm compress for 5–10 minutes several times a day to reduce inflammation and soothe irritation. Cold compresses can also help reduce swelling and discomfort

• Cleanse gently: Use a clean, warm washcloth to remove discharge. Saline rinses (mix 1 teaspoon of salt in 500 ml boiled and cooled water) can help cleanse the eye and remove irritants

• Use lubricating eye drops: Artificial tears can relieve dryness and irritation

• Avoid sharing personal items: Towels, pillowcases, and eye makeup should not be shared to prevent spreading infection

Over-the-Counter and Home Remedies

• For bacterial infections with yellow or green discharge, antibiotic eye drops (like Ciplox or Moxigram) may be used but only under medical advice

• Home remedies with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, such as honey (diluted and applied carefully), turmeric water compress, and cooled green tea bags, can soothe symptoms but are not substitutes for medical treatment

• Avoid putting oils, lemon, or unapproved substances directly into the eyes as they can cause harm

When to Seek Medical Attention

• If symptoms worsen or do not improve within 24 hours.
• If there is severe pain, blurred vision, intense redness, or yellow/green pus discharge.
• If swelling of eyelids or sensitivity to light occurs

Summary

While some mild eye infections may improve with immediate home care and hygiene within 24 hours, many require professional diagnosis and treatment, especially bacterial infections that benefit from antibiotic drops. Early action—hygiene, compresses, cleansing, and avoiding irritants—can reduce symptoms and speed recovery, but consulting a healthcare professional is essential for proper care and to prevent complications

In brief, you can manage symptoms and possibly reduce infection severity in 24 hours by maintaining hygiene, applying warm or cold compresses, using saline rinses and lubricating drops, and avoiding contact lenses and eye rubbing. However, for a true cure, especially in bacterial infections, prompt medical treatment is often necessary