Conjunctivitis after a cold

A cold virus can inflame the thin surface covering the eye and eyelid. One or both eyes may become red, gritty, watery, or sticky, and eyelids can feel stuck together after sleep. Viral conjunctivitis often accompanies other cold symptoms and can pass from one eye to the other. Bacterial infection and allergy can look similar, so the pattern of discharge, itching, pain, and recent contacts helps a clinician assess it.

Wash your hands often, avoid rubbing your eyes, and do not share towels, pillows, cosmetics, or eye drops. Gently clean discharge with clean water and a fresh pad for each eye. Pause contact lenses until the eye is comfortable and a clinician says they are safe to resume. A GP consultation can help if symptoms are persistent or unclear; antibiotic treatment does not treat a viral cause.

Seek urgent eye care for significant eye pain, reduced vision, marked light sensitivity, injury, a chemical splash, or a painful red eye while wearing contact lenses. Arrange medical advice if symptoms are worsening, discharge is heavy, or the eye is not improving.

Ask whether the pattern fits viral, bacterial, or allergic conjunctivitis, how long you may be contagious, and when lenses or work can be resumed. Mention pain, light sensitivity, vision change, and any contact-lens use.