Eye discharge and redness: what to know

Redness happens when small blood vessels on the eye surface widen. Dust, dryness, smoke, allergies, and rubbing can all trigger it. Conjunctivitis commonly presents with redness and discharge; allergic conjunctivitis often includes prominent itching, watering, or symptoms linked to an environmental trigger. Discharge that is thick, keeps returning, or glues the lids together is different from occasional tears. One-sided symptoms, swollen eyelids, or redness around the coloured part of the eye should be described clearly to a clinician.

Clean your hands, then gently remove discharge with clean lukewarm water and a fresh cloth or pad. Use separate materials for each eye. A cool compress can soothe irritation, and avoiding smoke, dust, rubbing, contact lenses, and eye makeup may reduce symptoms. Do not share towels or cosmetics. Avoid using someone else’s drops or old prescription medicine, since the wrong product can conceal changes or irritate the eye further.

Get urgent medical help for reduced vision, severe pain, strong light sensitivity, a very swollen eye, injury, chemical splash, or redness with a cloudy-looking cornea. Contact-lens wearers with redness and discharge should seek prompt advice and leave lenses out. For milder symptoms, arrange a review if they spread, recur, become thicker, or fail to improve with gentle care.

Is the redness on the surface or deeper in the eye? Could allergy or conjunctivitis explain the discharge? What symptoms would mean I should return urgently?