What should you know about serous conjunctivitis?

The conjunctiva is the thin surface covering the white of the eye and inner eyelids. When it becomes inflamed, the eye may water, feel gritty or become red. Clear discharge can occur with a viral infection or allergy; the appearance alone cannot identify the cause.

Symptoms may affect one eye first and then the other, particularly when an infection spreads through hand-to-eye contact. Light sensitivity, marked pain, reduced vision or a feeling that something is stuck in the eye needs more careful assessment because those features can involve structures deeper than the conjunctiva.

Wash your hands often, avoid rubbing your eyes and do not share towels, pillows, cosmetics or eye drops. Clean crusts gently with clean water and a fresh pad, using a separate pad for each eye. A cool compress may ease irritation.

Pause contact lens use until symptoms have settled and a clinician says it is safe to resume. A GP consultation can help distinguish infection, allergy, dry eye and other causes. Antibiotic treatment is not useful for every case, so do not use leftover drops or someone else’s prescription.

Seek urgent eye care for severe pain, new blurred or reduced vision, strong light sensitivity, injury, chemical exposure, or a contact-lens-related red eye. These signs may indicate a problem requiring prompt treatment.

Arrange assessment if discharge becomes thick, symptoms are worsening, the eyelids are very swollen, or the problem is not improving. Seek emergency help if swelling spreads around the eye or you feel seriously unwell.

Does the discharge pattern suggest infection, allergy or irritation? Should I use any drops, and for how long? When can I safely wear contact lenses again, and what changes would mean I need an eye review?