What should you know about real pink eyes?

Conjunctivitis affects the thin membrane over the white of the eye and inner eyelid. Viral forms often cause watery eyes and may occur with a cold; bacterial forms can produce thicker discharge that sticks the eyelids together. Allergy-related irritation tends to affect both eyes and can bring prominent itching. A linked symptom such as eye discharge can help describe the pattern, while light sensitivity may need closer assessment.

Wash your hands often, avoid rubbing your eyes and do not share towels, pillows, cosmetics or eye drops. Gently clean crusting with clean water and a fresh cotton pad for each eye. Stop wearing contact lenses until symptoms have settled and replace disposable lenses and their case as advised. A GP consultation can help distinguish infection from allergy or another eye problem. Antibiotic treatment is useful only when a clinician considers bacterial infection likely; it does not treat viral or allergic causes.

Arrange prompt medical assessment for significant pain, reduced or blurred vision, marked light sensitivity, injury, chemical exposure, or symptoms in a contact-lens wearer. Seek urgent help if the eye becomes very swollen, vision changes suddenly, or a severe headache, vomiting or weakness occurs. Assessment is also sensible when discharge is heavy, symptoms are worsening, or the problem is not improving.

Could this be viral, bacterial, allergic or another cause? Should I use any drops, and when can I return to contact lenses? How should I reduce spread to people at home?