Does conjunctivitis cause eye discharge?

Conjunctivitis inflames the thin surface covering the eye and inner eyelid. This can make the eye water and produce mucus or thicker material that collects in the corners. Viral conjunctivitis often causes watery discharge, while bacterial infection may produce thicker yellow or green discharge that makes the eyelids stick together. Allergy-related conjunctivitis tends to cause watering and itching. Appearance alone cannot identify the cause, and eye discharge does not by itself confirm conjunctivitis.

Wash your hands before and after touching the eye. Gently clean away discharge with clean water and a fresh cotton pad or clean cloth for each wipe, moving from the inner corner outward. Do not share towels, pillows, eye makeup, or eye drops, and avoid contact lenses until the eye has settled or a clinician advises restarting them. A cool compress can ease irritation. Use medicines only as directed, because antibiotic drops do not treat viral or allergic causes.

Arrange prompt medical assessment for significant eye pain, reduced or blurred vision, marked light sensitivity, injury, swelling around the eye, or symptoms in a contact-lens wearer. Seek urgent help if vision changes suddenly, the eye is severely painful, or you cannot open it. Assessment is also sensible when discharge is persistent, symptoms are worsening, or a newborn has a red or sticky eye.

Ask what type of conjunctivitis is most likely, whether you should stop contact lenses, how long you may be contagious, and which symptoms should trigger a review.