My eye is red and irritated: what should I know?

Itching and watery eyes fit allergic conjunctivitis, particularly when both eyes are affected or symptoms follow pollen, dust or another trigger. Conjunctivitis can cause redness, a gritty feeling, watering and sticky discharge. Dry air, smoke, screen use, cosmetics or rubbing may irritate the surface without infection. A small burst blood vessel can look dramatic but is usually not painful. The appearance of redness cannot confirm its cause, so associated symptoms guide the assessment.

Wash your hands and avoid rubbing the eye. Use a cool clean compress for itch or irritation, and reduce exposure to smoke, dust and suspected allergens. Do not share towels, pillows or eye makeup. Stop contact lenses until the eye is comfortable and a clinician or optometrist says they are safe to restart. Do not use someone else’s drops or leftover prescription medicine, especially steroid drops.

Arrange prompt review for redness that persists, keeps returning, or develops discharge. Seek urgent care for significant pain, light sensitivity, blurred or reduced vision, injury, chemical exposure, severe headache with nausea, or swelling around the eye. Contact lens wearers should obtain prompt advice for a red or painful eye. Rinse chemical splashes with running water while seeking emergency help.

Does this look like allergy, infection, dryness or another surface problem? Should I use lubricating or allergy drops? How long should symptoms take to improve? When can I safely return to contact lenses?