What should you know about conjunctivitis and cellulitis?

Conjunctivitis commonly causes a Red Eye, watering, itching or discharge. The eyelid may feel irritated, but vision and eye movement are usually not affected by surface inflammation. Cellulitis is an infection of skin and soft tissue; around the eye it may cause one-sided eyelid swelling, warmth, tenderness and redness that spreads beyond the eye surface.

Deeper infection behind the eye is more serious. Pain when moving the eye, reduced vision, a bulging appearance or difficulty opening the eye needs urgent assessment. Conjunctivitis can occur at the same time as swelling, so the location and behaviour of the swelling matter.

If swelling is more than mild, worsening, warm or tender, arrange same-day medical assessment rather than relying on home care. A clinician may examine the eye, eyelids, vision and eye movements to decide whether treatment such as Antibiotic Treatment is needed. Do not squeeze swollen skin or use leftover medicine.

For mild surface irritation while arranging advice, wash hands, avoid rubbing, pause contact lenses and gently clean discharge with clean water. Avoid sharing towels or eye products. A cool compress can soothe the surface, but it should not delay assessment of spreading swelling.

Seek emergency care for reduced or double vision, severe pain, pain with eye movement, a bulging eye, marked drowsiness, severe headache, fever with rapidly increasing swelling, or difficulty opening the eye. A chemical injury or injury near the eye also needs urgent help.

Ask whether the swelling is limited to the eyelid or involves deeper tissues, whether you need examination today, which treatment is appropriate, and what changes should send you to emergency care. Mention fever, recent skin infection, insect bites, injury, contact-lens use and any vision change.