What Does Eye Discharge Feel Like With Conjunctivitis?

Discharge can collect at the lashes and make the eyelids stick after sleep. It may be watery, white, yellow, or green, depending on the cause. The eye may feel sandy, irritated, swollen, or as though something is in it. Redness can affect one or both eyes, and a viral form may occur with cold symptoms. Itching is especially prominent when allergy contributes, while stronger pain or vision change needs a different level of concern.

The appearance of discharge cannot by itself distinguish every cause. A clinician may consider the pattern, duration, contacts, recent illness, and use of contact lenses.

Clean the lashes gently with clean water and a fresh cloth, using a separate part of the cloth for each eye. Wash hands often, avoid sharing towels or eye cosmetics, and do not rub the eyes. Stop wearing contact lenses until symptoms have settled and a clinician or optometrist advises restarting. Avoid using another person’s drops or old prescription medicine. A pharmacist can discuss suitable soothing options.

Get urgent eye care for reduced vision, severe pain, strong light sensitivity, an eye injury, or a chemical exposure. A painful red eye in a contact-lens wearer needs prompt assessment. Arrange medical advice when discharge is worsening, the eyelids are very swollen, or symptoms are not improving. See [Conjunctivitis](/conditions/conjunctivitis/) and [Eye Discharge](/symptoms/eye-discharge/) for related guidance.

What cause best fits the discharge and redness? Should I stay away from school or work? When can I use contact lenses again? Which changes mean I need urgent eye care?