What should you know about EKC conjunctivitis?

Viral, bacterial, allergic and irritant causes can look similar. Red eye may occur with itching, gritty discomfort or swollen lids. Eye discharge is more suggestive of infection, while light sensitivity, marked pain or blurred vision needs closer assessment. One eye may become affected first, with the other following later.

Conjunctivitis can spread through hands, towels, cosmetics and shared surfaces. Avoid touching or rubbing the eyes, wash hands often and do not share face cloths, pillows or eye products.

Gently clean crusting with clean water and a fresh pad for each eye. Cool compresses may ease irritation. Pause contact lenses and eye makeup until symptoms have settled and a clinician says they can resume. A GP consultation can help distinguish likely causes. Antibiotic treatment is useful only for selected bacterial cases and does not treat viral or allergic conjunctivitis.

Seek same-day medical advice for significant eye pain, light sensitivity, reduced or blurred vision, injury, chemical exposure, or a contact-lens-related red eye. Urgent care is needed if the eye becomes rapidly swollen, vision changes suddenly or symptoms are severe. Arrange review if discharge or redness is not improving.

What cause is most consistent with my symptoms? Should I use drops, and for how long? When can I return to contact lenses, school or work? How can I reduce spread at home?