Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear layer that covers the white of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids. When it becomes irritated or infected, small blood vessels show through more clearly, giving the eye a pink or red appearance, which is why it is commonly called pink eye.

It is a very common condition and can affect one or both eyes. Most cases are mild and settle on their own, but it is helpful to know which type you have, because viral, bacterial, and allergic conjunctivitis are managed differently.

Common symptoms include redness, a gritty or burning feeling, watering, and itching. The eye may produce discharge that can make the lashes stick together, especially after sleep. Vision is usually normal, although it may seem blurred until you blink away discharge or tears.

Contact an eye professional urgently if you have significant eye pain, sensitivity to light, a marked change in vision, or intense redness, as these can point to a more serious eye problem rather than simple conjunctivitis. Newborn babies with red, discharging eyes should always be assessed promptly.

Viral conjunctivitis often produces watery discharge, may start in one eye and spread to the other, and can come with a cold or sore throat. It is very contagious. Bacterial conjunctivitis tends to cause thicker, yellow or green discharge that makes the eyelids stick together, and it is also contagious.

Allergic conjunctivitis usually affects both eyes, is very itchy, and comes with watering and sometimes a runny or itchy nose. It often appears with hay fever or after contact with allergens such as pollen, dust, or pet dander, and it is not contagious. These patterns are a guide rather than a certainty, and an eye professional can confirm the type if needed.

Conjunctivitis is usually diagnosed by looking at the eye and asking about symptoms, such as the type of discharge, itching, how it started, and whether you have a cold or allergies. This is often enough to identify the likely cause and rule out more serious problems.

Tests are not usually needed. Occasionally, if an infection is severe, persistent, or recurrent, a swab of the discharge may be taken to identify the cause. If there is concern about a more serious eye condition, a fuller eye examination may be arranged.

Most conjunctivitis improves without specific treatment. Viral conjunctivitis usually clears on its own over one to two weeks, and self-care helps: gently bathe the eyelids with cooled boiled water or clean wet cotton wool to remove crusting, use lubricating eye drops for comfort, and avoid wearing contact lenses until the eye is fully better. Antibiotics do not help viral infections.

Bacterial conjunctivitis often resolves on its own too, but antibiotic eye drops or ointment may be recommended in some cases. Allergic conjunctivitis is managed by avoiding triggers where possible and using antihistamine or anti-allergy eye drops or tablets. Whatever the cause, wash your hands often, do not share towels or pillows, and avoid rubbing your eyes to reduce spread and irritation.

To reduce the spread of infectious conjunctivitis, wash your hands regularly, avoid touching or rubbing your eyes, do not share towels, flannels, or eye makeup, and clean any discharge with a fresh piece of cotton wool each time. For allergic conjunctivitis, limiting contact with known triggers and keeping windows closed during high pollen counts can help.

The outlook is excellent for most people. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis usually clear within one to two weeks, and allergic conjunctivitis improves once the trigger is controlled. See an eye professional if symptoms last longer than expected, keep coming back, or if you develop eye pain, vision changes, or strong light sensitivity, which need urgent assessment.