Conjunctivitis
Also known as Pink eye, Red eye
This article is general health information for the selected condition. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace clinical judgement. If you have questions or need treatment advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
What is conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the transparent membrane lining the eyelid and white of the eye. Most cases are viral and settle without treatment. The important skill is separating it from serious causes of a red eye such as acute glaucoma or corneal ulcer, which threaten sight and need urgent care.
Causes
- Adenovirus and other respiratory viruses
- Bacteria including Staphylococcus and Streptococcus
- Allergy to pollen, dust mite or animal dander
- Chemical or irritant exposure
- Contact lens related infection
- Chlamydial or gonococcal infection in newborns
Symptoms
- Redness of one or both eyes
- Watery discharge in viral infection
- Sticky purulent discharge in bacterial infection
- Gritty or burning sensation
- Itching, prominent in allergic cases
- Eyelids stuck together on waking
- Normal vision and no significant pain
Risk factors
- Close contact with an infected person
- Contact lens wear, especially overnight
- Existing allergic disease
- School and nursery settings
- Recent upper respiratory infection
Diagnosis
- Clinical assessment of discharge type and symptoms
- Visual acuity testing, which should be normal
- Fluorescein staining to exclude corneal ulcer
- Swab for culture in severe or persistent cases
- Urgent ophthalmology referral for red flags
Treatment
- Supportive care with cool compresses and lubricating drops
- Careful hygiene to limit spread
- Antibiotic drops only when bacterial infection is likely
- Antihistamine or mast cell stabiliser drops for allergic disease
- Stopping contact lens wear until fully resolved
- Urgent referral for pain, vision loss or photophobia
Self care
- Bathe the lids gently with cooled boiled water and clean cotton wool
- Use a fresh piece of cotton wool for each eye and each wipe
- Apply cool compresses for comfort
- Use lubricating drops for grittiness
- Wash hands often and do not share towels or pillows
- Stop contact lens wear until the eye is fully settled and discard that pair
- Avoid rubbing the eyes
When to see a doctor
Book an appointment if:
- Symptoms lasting more than a week
- Thick discharge persisting despite hygiene measures
- Recurrent episodes
- A contact lens wearer with a red eye
- A newborn with a sticky or red eye
- Vision that seems blurred
Some symptoms need emergency care rather than an appointment. See the warning signs listed above.
Prevention
- Wash hands frequently, especially during outbreaks
- Do not share towels, flannels or eye makeup
- Replace eye cosmetics after an infection
- Follow contact lens hygiene strictly and never sleep in lenses
- Treat underlying allergy to reduce allergic episodes
Outlook
Viral conjunctivitis usually settles within one to two weeks without treatment, though it can stay contagious for much of that time. Bacterial cases often resolve on their own and respond quickly to drops when used. Allergic conjunctivitis recurs with exposure but is well controlled by drops and allergen avoidance. Vision is not affected in uncomplicated cases.
Common questions
Which red eye is an emergency?
Significant eye pain, reduced vision, marked light sensitivity, a fixed or irregular pupil, or a red eye in a contact lens wearer all suggest something more serious than conjunctivitis and need same day assessment.
Are antibiotic drops usually needed?
Usually not. Most infectious conjunctivitis is viral, and even bacterial cases largely resolve on their own. Drops are reserved for severe cases, contact lens wearers or when symptoms persist.
How long is it contagious?
Viral conjunctivitis can be contagious for one to two weeks while the eye remains red and watery. Frequent handwashing and not sharing towels or pillows are the most effective controls.
References
Important: Dard AI is not a medical device and does not diagnose, treat, or replace clinician judgement. This article is general information only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about diagnosis and treatment, and seek emergency care for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.