What are the signs of bacterial conjunctivitis?

Bacterial conjunctivitis is inflammation of the thin surface covering the eye and inner eyelids. Discharge is often sticky or pus-like and may collect on the lashes after sleep. The eye can feel gritty, sore, watery, or mildly swollen, and redness may affect one eye before the other. Bacterial, viral, and allergic conjunctivitis can overlap in appearance, so symptoms alone do not always identify the cause. Marked pain, strong light sensitivity, reduced vision, or a sensation that something is stuck in the eye needs a different level of assessment.

Wash hands before and after touching the eye, clean discharge gently with fresh clean water and a separate pad for each eye, and avoid sharing towels, pillows, cosmetics, or eye drops. Do not wear contact lenses until symptoms have cleared and a clinician has advised restarting them. A GP or eye professional can decide whether antibiotic treatment is appropriate; antibiotics do not treat every type of conjunctivitis. Avoid using someone else’s prescription or drops left from an earlier illness.

Arrange urgent eye assessment for significant pain, light sensitivity, blurred or reduced vision, marked swelling, injury, chemical exposure, or symptoms in a newborn. Contact a clinician if the eye is worsening, discharge is heavy, or symptoms are not settling. People who wear contact lenses should seek prompt advice for a red or painful eye because corneal infection can threaten sight.

Ask whether the pattern fits bacterial, viral, or allergic conjunctivitis, whether you need antibiotic treatment, and how long to avoid contact lenses. Ask how to clean the eye safely and when you can return to work, school, or close contact with others.