What should you know about conjunctivitis eye discharge?

Conjunctivitis affects the thin membrane over the white of the eye and inner eyelids. Watery discharge can accompany irritation or a viral illness, while thicker sticky material may occur with bacterial inflammation. Allergy-related conjunctivitis often brings itching and tearing. Discharge can make the eyelids stick together after sleep, but this sign alone cannot identify the cause.

A red eye commonly accompanies conjunctivitis. Eye discharge is a presentation of conjunctivitis, but discharge can also have other causes, including irritation or a problem affecting the eyelid. A clinician considers both eyes, contact-lens use, recent illness, itching, pain, and vision.

Wash your hands before and after touching the eye. Gently loosen crusting with clean cotton or a clean damp cloth, using a fresh part for each wipe and each eye. Do not share towels, pillowcases, cosmetics, or eye drops. Avoid rubbing your eyes and pause contact lenses until symptoms have settled and a clinician says they are suitable to wear again.

Do not use leftover antibiotic drops or someone else’s medicine. Antibiotics help some bacterial infections but do not treat every cause of conjunctivitis. A GP consultation can clarify whether treatment is needed and whether another eye problem should be excluded.

Arrange prompt medical assessment for significant eye pain, marked light sensitivity, reduced or blurred vision that does not clear with blinking, a very swollen eyelid, injury, or symptoms in a contact-lens wearer. Seek urgent help if the eye looks severely inflamed or vision is suddenly affected. Assessment is also sensible when discharge persists, returns, or affects a young child.

Ask: What cause best fits the discharge? Do I need an eye examination or treatment? When can I safely return to contact lenses, work, school, or shared activities? Which changes should prompt urgent review?