What should you know about start of conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the thin surface covering the white of the eye and inner eyelids. Viral, bacterial and allergic causes can look similar at first. One or both eyes may become red, gritty or watery; sticky eye discharge can make the lashes adhere after sleep. Itching is more suggestive of allergy, while a cold may occur alongside a viral cause.

Conjunctivitis presents with red eye, but not every red eye is conjunctivitis. Light sensitivity, significant pain, blurred vision or a feeling that something is stuck in the eye needs a different level of assessment.

Wash hands before and after touching the face, avoid rubbing the eyes, and do not share towels, pillows, cosmetics or eye drops. Gently clean crusts with clean cotton or a fresh clean cloth and lukewarm water. Use a separate cloth for each eye. Stop wearing contact lenses until symptoms have settled and a clinician says it is safe to resume them; replace disposable lenses and related items as advised.

A GP consultation can help identify the likely cause. Antibiotic treatment is useful for selected bacterial infections, but antibiotics do not treat viral or allergic conjunctivitis and should not be started from someone else’s prescription.

Get urgent eye assessment for severe pain, reduced or blurred vision, marked light sensitivity, injury, chemical exposure, a very swollen eyelid or symptoms in a contact-lens wearer. Rinse immediately after a chemical splash and seek emergency advice. Arrange medical review if discharge is heavy, symptoms are worsening or the eye is not improving as expected.

Ask what cause is most likely, whether you should stay away from work or school, when contact lenses are safe, and whether treatment is needed for both eyes.