Conjunctivitis: what to know about over-the-counter care

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the thin surface covering the eye and inner eyelid. Viral, bacterial, allergic, or irritant causes can look similar at first. Watery eyes, sticky discharge, redness, grittiness, and swollen eyelids can occur. Eye discharge can be cleaned gently, but its presence alone does not show that an antibiotic is needed.

A pharmacist may suggest lubricating eye drops or other suitable symptom relief after asking about your age, medicines, contact lenses, and health history. Use clean hands, avoid touching the bottle tip to the eye, and do not share towels, pillows, cosmetics, or eye drops. Pause contact lenses until the eye has recovered and follow the product directions. Do not use leftover prescription drops or someone else’s medicine. Antibiotic treatment is useful only for some bacterial infections and should follow clinical advice.

Arrange a GP consultation if symptoms are worsening, not settling, keep returning, or you are unsure of the cause. Seek urgent eye assessment for significant eye pain, reduced or blurred vision, marked light sensitivity, injury, chemical exposure, or a very swollen eye. Contact lens wearers need prompt advice because some infections can affect the cornea.

Ask what cause is most consistent with your symptoms, whether you should stop contact lenses, and which drops are appropriate with your other medicines. Ask how to reduce spread at home and what change should prompt reassessment.