What should you know about remedies for conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the thin surface covering the white of the eye and inner eyelid. It may cause redness, watering, gritty discomfort, itching, or sticky eye discharge. Viruses, bacteria, allergies, and irritants can all be involved, and the treatment is not the same for each cause. Contact lens wearers need particular caution because a deeper eye infection can develop.

Wash your hands before and after touching the eye. Gently clean discharge with clean water and a fresh pad for each eye, wiping from the inner corner outward. A cool clean compress can ease itching or irritation. Do not share towels, pillows, eye drops, cosmetics, or contact lenses. Stop wearing contact lenses until symptoms have cleared and a clinician advises that they are safe to resume. Avoid rubbing the eyes, and discard eye makeup used during the episode. Antibiotic drops should be used only when prescribed or recommended after assessment.

Seek urgent eye care for significant pain, light sensitivity, reduced or blurred vision, marked swelling, injury, or a feeling that something is stuck in the eye. Contact lens wearers with redness, pain, or vision change need prompt assessment. Arrange a GP consultation if discharge is heavy, symptoms are worsening, both eyes become affected quickly, or the problem does not begin to settle. A newborn with red or discharging eyes needs urgent medical advice.

Does this look allergic, viral, bacterial, or irritant-related? Do I need antibiotic treatment? When can I safely restart contact lenses or eye makeup? Which change in vision or pain should prompt urgent eye care?