What should you know about bacterial pink eye treatment?

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the surface covering the white of the eye and inner eyelid. Bacterial infection can cause redness, irritation, sticky discharge, and eyelids that cling together after sleep. Viruses, allergy, and irritation can look similar, so discharge alone cannot confirm the cause.

A clinician may inspect the eye, ask whether one or both eyes are affected, and check for contact lens use, injury, or changes in vision. Light sensitivity, significant pain, or marked swelling is less typical of simple conjunctivitis and should not be ignored.

Wash hands before and after touching the eye, gently clean discharge with clean water and a fresh pad, and avoid rubbing. Do not share towels, pillows, cosmetics, or eye drops. Pause contact lens use until symptoms have cleared and a clinician says it is safe to restart.

Arrange a GP Consultation for advice about whether Antibiotic Treatment is suitable. Use prescribed drops or ointment exactly as directed and do not use another person's medicine. Replace eye cosmetics used during the infection if advised, and wash pillowcases and towels regularly.

Get urgent eye care for severe pain, reduced or blurred vision, intense Light Sensitivity, an eye injury, a cloudy-looking cornea, or swelling that makes the eye difficult to open. Seek prompt assessment if symptoms rapidly worsen or if a newborn has eye discharge. A Red Eye or Eye Discharge page can explain related symptoms, but it cannot replace examination.

Ask whether the pattern fits bacterial Conjunctivitis, how to apply the medicine, when you may return to close-contact activities, whether contact lenses need replacing, and which changes require urgent review.