Conjunctivitis RCH: what to know

Inflammation of the eye surface may affect one eye first and later involve the other. Viral illness can cause watering and irritation, bacterial infection can produce thicker discharge, and allergy often brings itching in both eyes. These patterns overlap, so red eye is not enough to identify the cause. A red eye can also come from problems that need prompt treatment.

Wash your hands before and after touching the eye. Wipe discharge with clean damp cotton or a fresh clean cloth, using a separate part for each eye. Wash pillowcases and towels regularly, avoid sharing them, and do not share cosmetics. Lubricating drops may reduce scratchiness when suitable. Avoid contact lenses and eye makeup until symptoms have cleared. Do not put breast milk, homemade mixtures, or non-eye products into the eye. Antibiotics do not treat viral or allergic causes.

Arrange a GP consultation when discharge is heavy, symptoms are persistent or recurrent, or the diagnosis is uncertain. Seek urgent care for pain, vision change, strong light sensitivity, an injury, chemical splash, or difficulty opening the eye. Contact lens users should seek prompt assessment for a painful or very red eye and leave lenses out meanwhile.

Ask whether the pattern suggests infection, allergy, or irritation; whether treatment is needed; and when work, school, swimming, or contact-lens use can safely resume.