What should you know about papillary conjunctivitis?

The term papillary describes small, raised bumps on the lining beneath the eyelid. They can develop when the eye surface reacts to allergens, repeated rubbing, contact lenses or deposits on a lens. Symptoms may include sticky or watery eye discharge, swollen lids and discomfort when wearing lenses. Papillary conjunctivitis is a form of conjunctivitis, but its trigger and treatment are not always the same as those of an infection.

Stop wearing contact lenses until a clinician says it is appropriate to restart, and avoid rubbing your eyes. Wash your hands before touching the area, use a clean cool compress for comfort and keep towels and eye cosmetics personal. A GP consultation can help assess the eyelid and eye surface. Treatment may involve removing the trigger and prescribed anti-inflammatory or allergy treatment; antibiotic treatment is useful only when a bacterial infection is suspected.

Arrange prompt medical assessment for marked light sensitivity, worsening pain, reduced vision, a cloudy-looking cornea or symptoms after an eye injury. Seek urgent help if swelling prevents the eye opening, or if severe headache, nausea or vomiting accompany eye pain. Recurrent symptoms, persistent discharge or difficulty tolerating lenses also deserve an examination.

Ask what may be irritating the eye, whether you should pause lens wear, which drops are suitable, and how to clean or replace lenses safely. Ask how long improvement should take and which changes mean you need a review.