Conjunctivitis: caring for red, sticky eyes

What causes conjunctivitis

The NHS says conjunctivitis is caused by infection or allergies. It usually affects both eyes and makes them red, burning or gritty, itchy and watery, sometimes with pus that sticks to the lashes. Conjunctivitis that produces sticky pus is contagious, and red, gritty eyes are usually contagious too. Conjunctivitis caused by allergies such as hay fever makes eyes red and watery but is not contagious. Some sexually transmitted infections can also cause it, and that type takes longer to get better.

Not every red eye is conjunctivitis. A burst blood vessel, dry eyes, blepharitis and eyelid problems can all look similar, so the NHS advises against diagnosing it yourself.

What you can do at home

• Boil water and let it cool, then gently wipe your eyelashes with a clean cotton wool pad to remove crusts, using a fresh piece for each eye.
• Hold a cold flannel on your eyes for a few minutes.
• Do not wear contact lenses until your eyes are better.
• Wash your hands often, wash pillowcases and face cloths in hot water, and do not share towels or pillows.
• Try not to rub your eyes.

A pharmacist can suggest eye drops or antihistamines. A child under 2 needs a prescription. You do not need to stay away from work or school unless you or your child feel very unwell.

When a video consultation suits it

See a doctor if your symptoms have not cleared up within 7 days, or you wear contact lenses and have spots on your eyelids as well, which can mean an allergy to the lenses. A clear photo of the eye in daylight helps. The doctor will ask whether one or both eyes are affected, whether there is discharge, whether your sight has changed, whether it hurts or light bothers you, and whether you wear contact lenses. Antibiotics only help when the cause is bacterial, not a virus or an allergy.

When you need to be seen in person

Get an urgent appointment if you have pain in your eyes, sensitivity to light, changes in your vision such as wavy lines or flashing, or very red eyes, because these can be signs of a more serious eye problem. A baby less than 30 days old with red, sticky eyes needs to be seen urgently, and a contact lens wearer with a red eye could have an eye infection. The doctor may refer you to an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) for tests.

Signs that need 998

Call 998 or go to an emergency department if you have a red eye and any change to your sight, such as wavy lines, flashing or loss of vision, it hurts to look at light, you have a severe headache and feel sick, your eye is very dark red, you have injured your eye or something is stuck in it, a chemical or other dangerous liquid has got into it, or one pupil is bigger than the other. Do not drive yourself.

Which doctor to see

A general practitioner can help with most conjunctivitis, and a paediatrician with babies and children. For eye pain, changes in sight or anything that is not clearing, an ophthalmologist is the specialist. Doctors on medicAI work at independent clinics and hospitals licensed by DHA or DoH, which are responsible for your care, and medicAI is the app you book through.