When is GP consultation recommended for conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis causes inflammation of the surface of the eye and inner eyelid. Redness, watering, itch, a gritty feeling, and discharge can occur. Causes include viruses, bacteria, allergy, or irritation, and the appropriate care can differ. A GP can examine the eye, ask about contact lens use and recent exposure, and decide whether another eye problem needs assessment.

Wash your hands often, avoid rubbing your eyes, and do not share towels, pillows, or eye products. Gently clean discharge with clean water and a fresh pad each time. Stop wearing contact lenses until the eye has recovered and a clinician advises restarting. Arrange a GP consultation if symptoms are persistent, recurrent, affecting both eyes severely, or occurring in a young child. Read more in our Conjunctivitis and GP Consultation guides.

Seek urgent eye care for significant pain, reduced or blurred vision that does not clear with blinking, strong sensitivity to light, swelling around the eye, an eye injury, chemical exposure, or a foreign body that will not wash out. Contact lens wearers with a red or painful eye need prompt assessment because corneal infection can threaten vision. Do not use someone else’s eye drops.

Ask which cause is most likely, whether you should stay away from work or school, how to clean the eye safely, when contact lenses can be restarted, and which change in vision needs urgent review.