Pink eye relief: what can help

Conjunctivitis irritates the surface lining of the eye, causing redness, watering, itch, burning, grittiness, or discharge. Relief measures calm the surface and remove material from the eyelids; they do not establish whether the cause is viral, bacterial, allergic, or irritant.

Symptoms can be more troublesome when smoke, dust, dry air, or eye makeup is present. Pain that is deep or severe, or symptoms involving vision, need a different level of attention than mild surface irritation.

Apply a cool clean cloth to closed eyes and use a fresh cloth for each eye. Wipe discharge gently, wash hands frequently, and avoid touching or rubbing the eyes. Do not share towels, pillowcases, cosmetics, or eye drops, and pause eye makeup while the eye is irritated.

Stop contact lenses until symptoms have settled and an eye professional advises restarting. Use lubricating or prescription drops only as directed. Antibiotics are not useful for every type of conjunctivitis, so avoid using leftover treatment.

Seek prompt medical care for significant pain, reduced or blurred vision, strong light sensitivity, a cloudy-looking eye, marked swelling, or a painful red eye in a contact-lens wearer. Seek urgent help after an injury or chemical splash. Arrange a GP consultation if discharge persists, symptoms worsen, or the cause is uncertain.

Ask which relief products are suitable, whether the symptoms are contagious, when you can resume lenses or makeup, and what change would require same-day eye assessment.