Covid and pink eye: what to know

Conjunctivitis affects the thin surface covering the white of the eye and inner eyelid. Viral irritation may cause redness, watering, itch or a gritty feeling, sometimes with respiratory symptoms. Bacterial infection, allergy, contact-lens irritation and other eye conditions can look similar.

Eye discharge that is thick or persistent, significant light sensitivity, or pain can change the level of concern. COVID-19 cannot be confirmed from eye redness alone, so the wider symptom pattern and an examination matter.

Wash your hands often, avoid rubbing your eyes, and do not share towels, pillows, cosmetics or eye drops. Clean crusting gently with clean water and a fresh pad for each eye. Pause contact lenses until the eye is comfortable and a clinician says they are suitable again.

A GP consultation can help distinguish viral, bacterial, allergic and irritant causes. Antibiotic treatment is not useful for every case and should only be used when prescribed or advised for the suspected cause.

Get urgent eye care for severe pain, reduced or blurred vision, strong light sensitivity, injury, swelling around the eye, or symptoms in a contact-lens wearer. Seek emergency help if eye symptoms occur with breathing difficulty or facial swelling.

Does this look viral, allergic, bacterial or irritant? Should I stop contact lenses or any eye products? What changes in discharge, pain, vision or light sensitivity mean I should be examined again?