What happens if conjunctivitis is not treated?

Conjunctivitis inflames the thin surface covering the eye and inner eyelid. Red eye, watery or sticky eye discharge, itching and a gritty feeling can continue while the cause remains active. Viral or allergic forms may settle with supportive care, whereas bacterial disease may need targeted treatment.

Because several eye conditions look similar at first, ongoing pain or light sensitivity should not be assumed to be ordinary conjunctivitis. Contact lens wear, an injury or reduced vision changes the level of concern and should be mentioned during assessment.

Avoid rubbing your eyes, wash your hands often and do not share towels, pillows, eye cosmetics or contact lenses. Gently clean discharge with clean water and a fresh pad, using a separate pad for each eye. Stop wearing contact lenses until a clinician says it is safe.

Arrange a GP Consultation if symptoms are persistent, recurrent, severe or unclear. Antibiotic Treatment may help selected bacterial cases, but antibiotics do not treat viral or allergic conjunctivitis and should not be used without advice.

Seek urgent eye care for reduced or blurred vision that does not clear with blinking, severe eye pain, strong light sensitivity, marked swelling, an eye injury, or symptoms in a contact lens wearer. These features can indicate a problem affecting the cornea or deeper parts of the eye.

Get prompt advice if redness is rapidly worsening, discharge is heavy, or the eye is difficult to open. Keep using hygiene measures while arranging help.

Ask what type of conjunctivitis is most likely, whether you should use drops, when contact lenses can be restarted, and which changes require urgent review. Tell the clinician about pain, light sensitivity, vision change, injury and recent contact lens use.