What should you know about keratoconjunctivitis?

The conjunctiva is the thin surface covering part of the eye, while the cornea is the clear front window. When both are inflamed, the eye may water, feel gritty or burn, and become uncomfortable in bright light. Red eye and eye discharge can occur. The cause may be infectious or non-infectious, and the appearance alone cannot reliably identify it.

Because the cornea helps focus vision, blurred vision, strong pain or marked light sensitivity deserves more careful assessment than uncomplicated irritation. Avoid rubbing the eye, sharing towels, or using another person's drops.

Wash your hands before and after touching the eye, clean discharge gently with clean water, and pause contact lens use until a clinician says it is safe. Do not use leftover antibiotic drops or steroid eye drops without advice; the wrong treatment can delay recognition of a corneal problem.

A GP Consultation can assess the pattern and decide whether you need eye review. Treatment depends on the cause. Antibiotic Treatment may be considered when a bacterial infection is suspected, but it does not treat every form of keratoconjunctivitis.

Seek urgent eye assessment for severe pain, reduced or blurred vision that does not settle, difficulty opening the eye, intense light sensitivity, a visible white spot on the cornea, injury, or symptoms while wearing contact lenses. Get prompt advice if swelling, discharge or redness is worsening or does not begin to improve.

Ask whether the cornea is involved, whether the condition may spread to others, how long to avoid contact lenses, which drops are appropriate, and which changes in vision require same-day review.