My rabbits Eye is red

Question
Hi My rabbits eye I just noticed today is red around the eyelids and is crusty with some white milky colored stuff coming out of the corner. Is there any way I can avoid going to the vet for this cause I am kinda tight on money right now. Please help she means a lot to me. i already dabbed the eye with a warm wet towel and it looks a little better but I am still worried.
Thanks!
It just started today. =)

Answer
Hi Kira

Red around the eyelid and milky discharge is indicative of a cold, or 'snuffles' as referred to in bunnies. There are contradicting theories on this. The safest course of treatment is going to be a vet examination, here is an article below explaining. Some vets may want to do a course of antibiotics to be on the safe side.
"Eye infections are relatively common extensions of sinus infections in rabbits and should be treated aggressively with systemic (body-wide) and topical antibiotics. This is important because the eyes are connected to the brain by important nerves. If an eye infection goes unchecked, encephalitis (infection of the brain) is a common and dangerous consequence. Common signs of eye infections include accumulation of debris at the corner of the eyes, and soiling of the hair below the lower eyelid. Obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct, which normally drains tears from the eye into the nasal cavity, causes tears to spill onto the hair below the lower eyelid. Long-term use of topical antibacterial ophthalmic ointment may correct nasolacrimal duct obstruction: flushing is required in some cases."
Otherwise, viral and bacterial infections do occur in rabbits, cats and dogs and people. Some infections are viral, and like people, they will go away on their own without antibiotics. a bacterial infection is more serious (like pastuerella) and can settle into an abscess under the skin because the rabbit accumulates so many white blood cells in the area to fight the infection. This is a secondary condition to pastuerella and if any abscess occur then I would recommend going to the vet.
A bacterial infection results in a high fever spike usually. You will be able to feel the heat in bunny's ears. They should be cool or tepid to the touch. If they are hot, then bunny most likely has a fever (Caution, sometimes they can do this if bunny is in the sun or being held too long as well). I have a post on how to take your bunny's temperature in my previously answered questions and the normal temperature range for a bunny's body. A sudden high spike in fever often indicates that your bunny is fighting a more serious bacterial infection.
Bunny might develop mucous in his nose as well and begin sneezing to dislodge it.
My principle that I follow with my animals (and my child) is: if they are eating, drinking, peeing and pooping normally (diarrhea is another story and emergency on its own for the bunny will quickly dehydrate) without a high fever, then I wait and see if it will pass on its own. I have had some cases of 'snuffles' resolve themselves. Once, I had a high fever and needed veterinarian intervention. When I went it ended up costing 200.00. she gave him fluid under his skin that he is better off having, but didn't absolutely need. He wasn't seriously dehydrated and I could have easily caught him up on his fluids by offering him some diluted by half apple or pineapple juice from a syringe. I also have a previous answer on how to offer liquids or soft food to bunny by syringe.
I hope this helps. If you need clarity on anything or have anymore questions then feel free to contact me again.
Best of luck with bunny,
Alice