Conjunctivitis

What is Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is an infection of the conjunctiva (the ‘skin’ which covers the white of the eye and lines of the eyelids). There are several causes, but the main two most common are bacteria and viral.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Sore
  • Gritty
  • Red eyes
  • Discharge, which may be very sticky (depending on the cause),
    making the eyes sticky in the mornings.

How is it Treated?

Bacterial conjunctivitis is easily treated with antibiotic drops or ointment.

There is no treatment for viral conjunctivitis. It will gradually clear up on its own, but the doctor may prescribe antibiotic drops or ointment to prevent a secondary bacterial infection occurring if necessary.

Conjunctivitis is infectious, so it’s important that you follow these rules…

  1. Keep your face flannel separate from those of the rest of your family.
  2. Wash your hands thoroughly after touching your eyes.
  3. Use tissues, should you need to wipe your eyes, and dispose of them immediately afterwards.
  4. Under no circumstances allow anyone else to use your eye drops or ointment. Throw them away when your treatment is finished. Never keep used bottles.