What does red eye feel like with conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis can make the whites of the eyes look pink or red. A sandy or gritty feeling, watering, mild soreness, and sensitivity to irritation are common. Discharge may be clear and watery or thicker, collecting on the lashes and making them stick together after sleep. One eye may become affected before the other, and the condition can spread through hand-to-eye contact. Itching is especially prominent when allergy is contributing, while marked pain needs a different level of assessment.

Wash your hands often, avoid rubbing your eyes, and gently clean discharge with clean water and a fresh pad for each eye. Do not share towels, pillows, cosmetics, or eye drops. Pause contact lens use until a clinician says it is safe, and replace lenses or cases used during the episode when advised. A pharmacist can discuss soothing drops, while a clinician can decide whether prescription treatment is appropriate.

Arrange medical advice if discharge is heavy, symptoms are not improving, or you wear contact lenses. Seek urgent help for severe pain, light sensitivity, blurred or reduced vision, injury, pronounced swelling, or a sensation that something is stuck in the eye. These signs can point to a more serious eye problem and should not be managed only at home.

Does this look infectious, allergic, or irritant-related? Should I use any drops or avoid a particular product? When can I return to contact lenses or shared activities?