Environmental conjunctivitis: what to know

The eyes may become red, watery, itchy, or gritty, with swelling around the lids. Allergic symptoms often affect both eyes and may occur with sneezing or a runny nose. Sticky eye discharge can have other causes, including infection, so colour and timing do not provide a diagnosis alone. Light sensitivity, vision change, or significant pain is less typical and deserves medical assessment.

Avoid rubbing your eyes, wash your hands, and use a clean cool compress for comfort. Reduce contact with the suspected trigger and keep windows closed during heavy pollen exposure if that helps. Do not share towels or eye products. A clinician or pharmacist can advise on suitable lubricating or anti-allergy drops. Antibiotic treatment is not useful for every red eye and should be used only when prescribed for the diagnosed cause.

Seek urgent assessment for severe pain, reduced or blurred vision, marked light sensitivity, injury, chemical exposure, or swelling with breathing difficulty. Arrange a GP consultation when symptoms persist, recur, affect one eye strongly, or include thick discharge. Contact-lens wearers should seek advice promptly for a painful red eye.

Ask whether the pattern fits allergy, irritation, infection, or another eye problem. Ask which drops are appropriate, how long to use them, whether contact lenses should be paused, and which changes require same-day review.