Swollen pink eye: what to know

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the clear surface covering the white of the eye and inner eyelid. The eye may look pink or red, feel gritty, water, itch or produce sticky discharge. Viral and bacterial infections can spread between people; allergies can cause itching and watering without being contagious. Swelling can also come from irritation, a blocked eyelid gland or a deeper eye problem.

The pattern matters: discharge and eyelids stuck together suggest surface inflammation, while marked pain, strong light sensitivity or reduced vision is less typical of simple conjunctivitis and should not be managed only at home.

Wash hands before and after touching the eye, avoid rubbing, and use a clean damp cloth to remove discharge. Do not share towels, pillows, eye makeup or contact lenses. Stop wearing contact lenses until the eye has recovered and a clinician advises restarting. Lubricating drops may soothe irritation when suitable.

A GP consultation can help identify the cause. Antibiotic treatment is useful only for selected bacterial infections and will not treat viral or allergic causes, so do not use leftover eye medicine.

Seek urgent eye care for significant pain, light sensitivity, blurred or reduced vision, a feeling that something is stuck, injury, chemical exposure, marked swelling around the eye, or symptoms in a contact-lens wearer. Prompt review is also needed when the eye is worsening rather than settling.

Ask whether the cause appears infectious, allergic or irritative; whether you should stay away from work or school; when contact lenses and makeup can be used again; and whether treatment is needed for you or household contacts.