My eye hurts, is red, watery and light-sensitive

Watering and redness can occur when the eye surface is irritated by a foreign body, dust, dryness or infection. Conjunctivitis may cause gritty discomfort and discharge, while allergic conjunctivitis more often causes itching and commonly affects both eyes. Pain and light sensitivity can also signal inflammation or injury deeper than the surface. These symptoms cannot be safely sorted by appearance alone, and pain severity or vision change increases concern.

Arrange prompt assessment by an eye-care professional or urgent clinic. Remove contact lenses and do not rub the eye. Wear sunglasses for comfort, but do not cover the eye tightly. If something is embedded, leave it in place rather than trying to remove it. For a chemical splash, rinse continuously with clean running water and seek emergency help. Avoid borrowed drops and leftover steroid drops.

Seek emergency care now for sudden or worsening vision loss, severe pain, a chemical injury, penetrating injury, a fixed or irregular pupil, marked swelling, vomiting with eye pain, or a severe headache. Contact lens wearers with pain, redness or light sensitivity need urgent advice because corneal infection can progress quickly.

Could the cornea or deeper eye structures be involved? Do I need an eye-pressure or vision check? Is infection likely, and should I avoid work or close contact? Which warning signs mean I should return immediately?