What should you know about cdc conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis, sometimes called pink eye, can cause redness, watering, gritty discomfort, swollen eyelids and sticky eye discharge. It may be triggered by a virus, bacteria, allergy or irritation. Both eyes can become involved, although symptoms may begin in one. Eye discharge can make the eyelids stick together after sleep. Light sensitivity, significant pain or blurred vision is less typical and deserves an assessment because other eye conditions can require prompt treatment.

Wash your hands before and after touching the eyes, use a clean damp pad to remove discharge, and avoid rubbing. Do not share towels, pillows, eye makeup or contact-lens equipment. Stop wearing contact lenses until symptoms have cleared and a clinician or optometrist says it is safe to restart. Lubricating drops may soothe irritation when suitable. Do not use leftover antibiotic drops: treatment depends on the cause, and antibiotics do not help viral or allergic conjunctivitis. A GP consultation can help identify the likely cause.

Get urgent eye care for severe pain, reduced or blurred vision, marked light sensitivity, injury, chemical exposure or swelling that affects eye movement. Seek prompt advice for a newborn with eye discharge, a weakened immune system, symptoms after contact-lens use, or redness that is rapidly worsening. Arrange review if symptoms do not begin to improve or if thick discharge keeps returning. A clinician can decide whether antibiotic treatment is appropriate and whether another eye problem is present.

What is the likely cause of my conjunctivitis? Should I stop contact lenses or work temporarily? Do I need antibiotic treatment? Which symptoms mean I need same-day eye care?