What should you know about viral pink eye treatment?

Viral conjunctivitis affects the clear surface covering the white of the eye and inner eyelids. It can cause watery discharge, a gritty feeling, redness and swelling, sometimes beginning in one eye and reaching the other. A cold or another respiratory virus may occur at the same time. Thick discharge that repeatedly sticks the eyelids together can have other causes, so the pattern alone cannot confirm the diagnosis.

Use a clean cool compress for irritation, wash your hands before and after touching the eye, and avoid rubbing. Clean away discharge with fresh cotton or a clean damp cloth each time. Do not share towels, pillows, eye drops or cosmetics, and pause contact lenses until the eye has recovered and a clinician advises restarting them. Lubricating drops may ease dryness; ask a pharmacist which product suits you.

Arrange prompt assessment for significant eye pain, marked light sensitivity, blurred or reduced vision, injury, contact-lens use with a red eye, or symptoms that are worsening rather than settling. Seek urgent help if vision is suddenly affected or the eye becomes very painful. A GP consultation can help distinguish viral conjunctivitis from other causes of red eye.

Ask whether the symptoms fit viral conjunctivitis, whether contact lenses should remain out, and which warning signs should prompt urgent review. Ask before using leftover antibiotic drops, because antibiotic treatment is aimed at bacterial infections rather than viruses.