What should you know about conjunctivitis in both eyes?

A viral infection can move from one eye to the other through hands, towels or eye rubbing. Allergic conjunctivitis commonly affects both eyes because the same airborne trigger reaches each eye. Bacterial conjunctivitis can also involve both eyes, especially when discharge spreads between them. Redness, watering, itching and discharge help describe the illness, but they do not identify the cause by themselves.

Compare how each eye feels. Mild itch and watering may fit irritation or allergy, whereas substantial sticky discharge may need an examination. A separate problem such as a scratched cornea can occur in one eye and should not be assumed to be ordinary conjunctivitis.

Wash hands before and after cleaning either eye, using a fresh clean pad for each eye. Gently wipe from the inner corner outward with clean water, then wash the cloth. Avoid rubbing, contact lenses, eye makeup and shared towels. A cool compress may ease itching or burning. Arrange a GP Consultation if the symptoms are troublesome, recurrent or not improving.

Do not use another person’s drops or medication left from a previous illness. If a clinician recommends treatment, follow the directions and avoid touching the bottle tip to the lashes or eye.

Get prompt assessment for vision change, severe pain, intense Light Sensitivity, a swollen eyelid that limits opening the eye, pain with eye movement, or symptoms after an injury or chemical exposure. Contact a clinician promptly if you wear contact lenses or if a baby has discharge from either eye.

Ask what cause best fits the timing and symptoms, whether both eyes need the same treatment, how to clean the eyes, and when it is safe to return to contact lenses. Tell the clinician about itching, Eye Discharge, recent colds, allergies and vision changes.