Pink eye day one: what to know and do

Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, affects the thin surface covering the white of the eye and the inner eyelid. Early symptoms can include a pink or red eye, watering, a gritty feeling, itching, and discharge that may make the eyelids stick together. One eye may start first, with the other becoming involved later, depending on the cause.

The appearance alone does not show whether the cause is viral, bacterial, allergic, or related to irritation. Itching is often prominent with allergy, while a watery eye can occur with viral illness or irritation. Thicker discharge can occur with bacterial infection, but these patterns overlap, so treatment should match an assessment rather than the colour of the discharge alone.

Mild discomfort is different from significant eye pain. Pink eye should not normally cause a marked reduction in vision. Light sensitivity, strong pain, swelling around the eye, or a feeling that something is stuck may need prompt assessment because they can point to a problem deeper than conjunctivitis.

Wash your hands before and after touching the eye, applying drops, or cleaning discharge. Gently wipe away crusting with a clean, damp cloth, using a fresh section for each wipe. Do not share towels, pillows, cosmetics, or eye drops, and avoid rubbing the eye.

Pause contact lens use until the eye has recovered and a clinician confirms it is appropriate to restart. Throw away disposable lenses and eye makeup that may have been contaminated. A cool clean compress can ease irritation; use a warm compress if eyelid crusting is the main issue. A GP consultation can help distinguish conjunctivitis from other causes of a red eye and decide whether antibiotic treatment has a role.

Arrange prompt medical care for significant pain, new or worsening light sensitivity, blurred or reduced vision that does not clear after blinking, marked swelling, injury, chemical exposure, or a visible object in the eye. Contact a clinician promptly if you wear contact lenses, have recently had eye surgery, or have a weakened immune system.

Seek urgent help if symptoms become severe or vision changes suddenly. If the eye is mildly red and irritated without warning symptoms, arrange an assessment if it is worsening, not settling, or you are unsure about the cause. Keep hands and personal items clean while symptoms continue, especially around children or anyone vulnerable to infection.

Ask what cause is most consistent with your symptoms, whether you should stay away from work, school, swimming, or shared towels, and which warning changes should trigger reassessment. Tell the clinician when symptoms began, whether one or both eyes are affected, whether there is discharge or light sensitivity, and whether you use contact lenses.