Conjunctivitis and hay fever: what should you know?

Hay fever is an allergic response, so eye itching, watering and redness often occur alongside sneezing or a runny nose after exposure to triggers. Conjunctivitis can also cause redness and watering, but discharge, eyelids sticking together and a gritty sensation can point toward irritation or infection. The pattern alone cannot confirm the cause.

Conjunctivitis may spread through contaminated hands and shared towels when infection is involved. Allergy-related symptoms are not spread this way. Avoid rubbing, because rubbing can worsen inflammation and transfer irritants between the eyes.

Keep windows closed when outdoor triggers are high, rinse the face after time outside, and use clean cool compresses over closed eyes. Wash hands regularly and avoid sharing towels. A pharmacist or clinician can advise whether an allergy medicine or eye drop is suitable. Do not use someone else’s drops, and do not assume an antibiotic is needed.

Seek prompt advice for eye pain, reduced or blurred vision, pronounced light sensitivity, a one-sided worsening red eye, or thick discharge. Get urgent help if the eye is difficult to open or the eyelids become very swollen. A GP Consultation can assess the eye and consider causes other than hay fever.

Ask what features favour allergy, infection or another cause; whether your usual allergy treatment is appropriate; how long to monitor symptoms; and whether you should avoid work, school or shared towels while infection remains possible.