What are the symptoms of conjunctivitis?

The white of the eye may look pink or red, and the eyelids can become puffy. One or both eyes may be affected. Watery eyes and a gritty feeling are common. Sticky discharge may collect on the lashes, especially after sleep; the colour and amount can vary. Itching is often prominent when allergy is involved. Some people also notice sensitivity to light. These features can overlap with other eye problems, so symptoms alone cannot identify the cause. Avoid sharing towels, pillows, eye makeup, or contact-lens equipment while the eye is irritated.

Wash your hands before and after touching the eye, gently clean crusts with clean water, and use a fresh cloth for each eye. Do not rub the eye or wear contact lenses until it has settled. A GP Consultation can help assess the eye when symptoms are persistent, troublesome, or unclear. Antibiotic Treatment is not suitable for every type of conjunctivitis, because some cases are viral or allergy-related.

Seek urgent medical assessment for severe eye pain, marked Light Sensitivity, vision changes, a significant injury, or a sensation that something is stuck in the eye. Get prompt advice if symptoms occur in a newborn, if the eyelids swell substantially, or if the person wears contact lenses and has a painful red eye. Arrange a review if discharge, redness, or irritation is not improving.

Ask whether the pattern fits conjunctivitis, whether contact lenses or allergies could be contributing, and which cleaning or treatment steps are appropriate. Mention pain, light sensitivity, vision changes, discharge, and how quickly the symptoms began.