Conjunctivitis symptoms: what to know

Conjunctivitis affects the surface of the eye and the inner eyelid. The white of the eye may look pink or red, and the eyes can feel gritty, itchy, burning or watery. Mucus or pus may collect on the lashes. Allergic conjunctivitis often brings prominent itch and may affect both eyes; viral illness can bring watering and may spread between eyes; bacterial infection may produce thicker discharge. These patterns overlap, so symptoms alone cannot confirm the cause.

Red eye, eye discharge and light sensitivity are symptoms that can occur with conjunctivitis. Strong pain or reduced vision is less typical and should prompt a clinical assessment rather than self-diagnosis.

Wash hands before and after touching the face. Clean discharge gently with clean water and a separate fresh pad for each eye. A cool compress may ease itch or swelling. Avoid rubbing, contact lenses, eye makeup and shared towels while symptoms are present. Replace eye makeup used during the episode. A GP consultation can help distinguish infection from allergy or irritation and can advise whether drops are appropriate. Antibiotic treatment is not suitable for every form of conjunctivitis, so do not start leftover medicine without advice.

Get urgent medical help if there is significant pain, vision that remains blurred, intense light sensitivity, an eye injury, a chemical splash, or a swollen eye that is difficult to open. Contact-lens wearers with a painful red eye should seek prompt assessment. Arrange review if symptoms worsen, do not settle, or return repeatedly, even when the redness seems mild.

Ask which symptoms matter most in your case, whether allergies or an infection may be involved, how long to avoid lenses and makeup, and which changes would mean you need same-day care.