What should you know about pink eye and a stye?

Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, can make the white of the eye look red, feel gritty or water. Discharge may make the eyelids stick together. A stye usually appears as a sore, red spot at the eyelid edge, sometimes around an eyelash. It may cause local swelling without making the whole eye red. Having a red eye does not by itself identify the cause; irritation, allergy and other eye problems can look similar.

Wash your hands before and after touching the eye, and avoid rubbing it. Use a clean warm compress over a closed eyelid for a stye; do not squeeze or pierce the lump. For pink eye, gently clean discharge with clean water and a fresh pad each time. Do not share towels, pillows, eye makeup or contact-lens equipment. Stop wearing contact lenses until the eye has settled and a clinician says they are suitable again. A GP consultation can help distinguish conjunctivitis from a stye or another cause.

Arrange prompt medical assessment for significant eye pain, light sensitivity, blurred or reduced vision, marked swelling, an injury, or a red eye in a contact-lens wearer. Seek urgent help if vision changes suddenly or the eye cannot be opened. Assessment is also sensible when symptoms are worsening, discharge is heavy, or a stye is spreading beyond the eyelid.

Ask whether the problem is conjunctivitis, a stye or another eye condition; whether contact lenses or makeup should be paused; which symptoms would need urgent review; and whether any treatment is appropriate.