What should you know about venereal conjunctivitis?

This form of conjunctivitis can cause a red eye, marked eye discharge, eyelid swelling and discomfort. Light sensitivity or blurred vision may signal deeper eye involvement and should not be dismissed as ordinary irritation. Infection may be transferred to the eye through sexual contact or contaminated secretions. A clinician may ask about sexual exposure, examine the eye and arrange swabs or other tests. A positive eye infection does not by itself establish when or from whom an infection was acquired.

Arrange a prompt GP consultation or urgent eye assessment, particularly when discharge is heavy or vision changes. Do not share towels, pillows, cosmetics or eye drops, and wash hands after touching the eye. Avoid contact lenses until a clinician says they are safe. Treatment may include antibiotic treatment selected for the suspected infection, and sexual partners may need assessment and treatment. Follow the full plan and ask about testing for other sexually transmitted infections.

Seek same-day care for eye pain, light sensitivity, reduced or blurred vision, intense swelling, or rapidly worsening redness. Go to emergency care if vision is suddenly reduced, severe pain develops, or you cannot open the eye. Prompt attention matters because some infections can affect the cornea.

Could this be sexually transmitted, and which tests do I need? Does my partner need assessment? When can I use contact lenses or resume sexual contact safely?