What should you know about conjunctivitis and crusty eyes?

Inflammation of the thin surface covering the eye can increase tears and discharge. When fluid dries, it may leave flakes or sticky material on the lashes, especially after sleep. A watery crust can occur with viral irritation or allergy; thicker discharge can occur with bacterial infection. Itching, redness, burning and whether one or both eyes are affected add useful context.

Crusting is not a reason to force the eyelids apart. Rough rubbing can damage delicate skin and spread discharge to the other eye. Persistent crusting can also have causes unrelated to conjunctivitis, so recurrent symptoms deserve an assessment.

Wash your hands, soak a clean pad in comfortably warm water, and hold it over closed lashes until the crust softens. Wipe gently from the inner corner outward, using a fresh pad for the other eye. Wash hands again afterwards. Avoid rubbing, contact lenses, eye makeup and shared towels while discharge continues.

Do not pick at dried material or put household products in the eye. If symptoms are not settling, arrange a GP Consultation. A clinician can decide whether supportive care, allergy treatment or Antibiotic Treatment fits the cause.

Seek prompt care for eye pain, reduced or blurred vision, strong Light Sensitivity, a very swollen eyelid, pain with eye movement, injury or chemical exposure. Get advice promptly for a newborn with discharge, contact-lens use with a red eye, or worsening symptoms despite cleaning.

Ask whether the discharge looks infectious or allergic, how often to clean the lashes, whether drops are needed, and when contact lenses or makeup can be used again. Mention the colour and thickness of the Eye Discharge, duration, itching, pain and any vision change.