Conjunctivitis is an eye condition caused by infection or allergies. It usually gets better in a couple of weeks without treatment.
Conjunctivitis is also known as red or pink eye.
It usually affects both eyes and makes them:
- red
- burn or feel gritty
- produce pus that sticks to lashes
- itch
- water
If you're not sure it's conjunctivitis
There are things you can do to help ease your symptoms.
- Boil water and let it cool down before you gently wipe your eyelashes to clean off crusts with a clean cotton wool pad (1 piece for each eye).
- Hold a cold flannel on your eyes for a few minutes to cool them down.
Do not wear contact lenses until your eyes are better.
Do
-
wash your hands regularly with warm soapy water
-
wash your pillow cases and face cloths in hot water and detergent
-
cover your mouth and nose when sneezing and put used tissues in the bin
Don’t
-
do not share towels and pillows
-
do not rub your eyes
Staying away from work or school
You do not need to stay away from work or school unless you or your child are feeling very unwell.
A pharmacist can help with conjunctivitis
Speak to a pharmacist about conjunctivitis. They can give you advice and suggest eyedrops or antihistamines to help with your symptoms.
If you need treatment for a child under 2, you'll need a prescription from a GP.
See a GP if:
- your baby has red eyes – get an urgent appointment if your baby is less than 28 days old
- you wear contact lenses and have conjunctivitis symptoms as well as spots on your eyelids – you might be allergic to the lenses
- your symptoms have not cleared up after 2 weeks
Get advice from 111 now if you have:
- pain in your eyes
- sensitivity to light
- changes in your vision, like wavy lines or flashing
- very red eyes (1 eye or both eyes)
- a baby less than 28 days old with red eyes
These can be signs of a more serious eye problem.
111 will tell you what to do. They can arrange a phone call from a nurse or doctor if you need one.
Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.
Other ways to get help
Get an urgent GP appointment
A GP may be able to help you.
Ask your GP practice for an urgent appointment.
Treatment will depend on the cause of your conjunctivitis.
If it's a bacterial infection, you might be prescribed antibiotics. But these will not work if it's caused by a virus (viral conjunctivitis) or an allergy.
Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause conjunctivitis. This type takes longer to get better.