What should you know about conjunctivitis in English?

The conjunctiva is a thin layer covering the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. When it becomes inflamed, the eye may look pink or red, feel gritty or itchy, water more than usual, or develop sticky discharge. Causes include viruses, bacteria, allergies and irritation. Similar symptoms can also occur with other eye problems, so appearance alone does not establish the cause.

Symptoms may affect one eye first or both eyes. Itching points more towards allergy, while a cold or sore throat can accompany some viral cases. These patterns are clues, not a diagnosis.

Wash your hands before and after touching the eye, avoid rubbing it, and do not share towels, pillows, cosmetics or eye medicines. Clean discharge gently with clean water and a fresh pad, wiping from the inner corner outward. Stop using eye makeup and contact lenses until the eye has recovered and a clinician says they are suitable again.

A cool clean compress may ease irritation. A GP consultation can help distinguish conjunctivitis from a condition needing different care. Antibiotic treatment is useful only for selected bacterial causes and will not treat viral or allergic inflammation.

Seek urgent medical advice for significant eye pain, reduced or blurred vision, strong light sensitivity, an injury, chemical exposure, or a cloudy-looking front of the eye. Arrange assessment if symptoms are worsening, persistent, or affecting a contact-lens wearer. Get help promptly for a young baby with a red or sticky eye.

Ask which cause is most consistent with your symptoms, whether you should stay away from work or school, and how to clean the eye safely. Check when contact lenses or cosmetics can be used again and which changes mean you need an urgent review.