What should you know about dust conjunctivitis?

Dust can physically irritate the delicate surface of the eye, or trigger an immune response. Redness, watering, burning, gritty discomfort and swollen eyelids may follow exposure. Itching is particularly suggestive of an allergic pattern, while thick discharge can point to another cause.

Symptoms may affect both eyes, especially when the trigger is present indoors. Avoid rubbing, because rubbing can increase surface irritation and transfer germs. Light sensitivity, significant pain or vision change is not typical simple irritation and deserves assessment.

Leave the dusty area, wash your hands and use clean water or a suitable lubricating eye drop if advised by a pharmacist. A cool clean compress may soothe swollen lids. Do not share towels, eye cosmetics or eye drops, and pause contact lenses while the eyes are irritated.

A GP Consultation can help distinguish allergic, irritant and infectious conjunctivitis. Antibiotic Treatment does not help every type, so do not start leftover antibiotics without clinical advice.

Seek prompt medical care for eye pain, reduced or blurred vision, strong Light Sensitivity, injury, marked swelling, or symptoms in a contact-lens wearer. Arrange review if redness or discharge persists, worsens, or keeps returning.

Ask what type of conjunctivitis is most likely, whether you should stop a product or medicine, and when lenses or cosmetics can be used again. Mention whether there is Eye Discharge, itching, pain or exposure to someone with an eye infection.