Red eye with discharge: what to know

Conjunctivitis presents with redness, watering, crusting, or discharge that can make the lashes stick together. Viral forms often cause watery discharge and may spread between people; bacterial forms may produce thicker discharge. Allergic conjunctivitis commonly causes itching and watering, often in both eyes, and may follow exposure to pollen, dust, or another trigger. These patterns overlap, so discharge alone cannot identify the cause.

A foreign body, dry eye, eyelid inflammation, or chemical irritation can also leave the eye red and uncomfortable. Pain, vision change, or strong light sensitivity changes the urgency.

Clean crusts gently with cooled boiled water or sterile saline and a fresh clean pad for each eye and each wipe. Wash hands before and after touching the face, avoid sharing towels and pillows, and wash items that contact the eye. Do not rub, squeeze discharge back into the eye, or wear contact lenses and eye makeup while symptoms continue. A cool compress can ease irritation. Use treatment drops only after advice from a clinician or pharmacist, because different causes need different approaches.

Get prompt medical assessment for eye pain, marked light sensitivity, blurred or reduced vision, severe swelling, an injury, a chemical splash, or symptoms in a contact lens wearer. Seek urgent help for sudden vision loss or rapidly worsening symptoms. Arrange a review if discharge keeps returning, the eye is not improving, or a newborn or person with reduced immunity is affected.

Ask whether the discharge pattern suggests infection, allergy, or surface irritation; whether both eyes may become involved; and which cleaning or treatment products are safe. Tell the clinician when the redness started, the colour and thickness of the discharge, recent contacts with someone who had conjunctivitis, contact lens use, and any pain or vision change.