Home remedies for conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis irritates the thin surface over the white of the eye and inner eyelid. It may be linked with a viral or bacterial infection, allergy, or irritation. Home care can reduce discomfort and remove crusting, but it cannot identify the cause or replace treatment when infection or another eye problem is suspected.

Wash your hands before and after touching the eye. Use a clean, cool, damp cloth for crusts, using a fresh area for each wipe. Do not share towels, pillows, eye drops, or cosmetics. Pause contact lenses and eye makeup until the eye feels normal and a clinician advises that restarting is appropriate.

A cool compress over closed eyelids can soothe itching and irritation; a warm compress may loosen sticky discharge. Keep the cloth clean and do not press on the eyeball. Preservative-free lubricating drops may help dryness, but avoid using another person’s drops or leftover prescription medicine. If allergy is suspected, limiting exposure to the trigger may reduce symptoms.

Because conjunctivitis can spread through hand-to-eye contact, clean frequently touched surfaces and avoid touching or rubbing your eyes. Read more about Conjunctivitis and Eye Discharge for symptom context.

Arrange a GP Consultation if symptoms are worsening, discharge is heavy or persistent, vision is blurred, or the eye is not settling with simple care. Light Sensitivity, marked pain, swelling around the eye, an eye injury, or symptoms in a contact-lens wearer need prompt assessment. Do not start Antibiotic Treatment without clinical advice, because antibiotics do not help every cause.

Ask what is most likely causing the redness, whether you should stop contact lenses for longer, how to clean discharge safely, and which changes should trigger urgent review. Mention any new products, allergies, injury, or vision change.