Conjunctivitis

What is Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as “pink eye”, is a common eye condition that affects millions of people each year. It’s inflammation of the conjunctiva — the thin, clear membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the white of the eyeball. When this membrane becomes irritated or inflamed, it can cause discomfort, redness, and discharge from the eye. Learn more from the NHS about causes, symptoms and when to seek help.

Symptoms of Conjunctivitis include…

  • Red or pink appearance to the eyes
  • Itching or burning sensation
  • Discharge, which may be sticky
  • Crusty eyelids, especially upon waking
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Redness behind the eyelid
  • Swelling of the eyelids, making them appear puffy
  • Excessive tears
  • A dislike of bright lights (photophobia)
  • A gritty feeling like there is sand in the eye
  • Children with conjunctivitis almost always rub their eyes excessively. They may also experience an itchy or runny nose, as well as sneezing.
A person suffering from red eye, also known as Conjunctivitis

If you suspect you have conjunctivitis or are experiencing any eye discomfort, don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced optometrists.

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Different Types and Causes of Conjunctivitis

Viral Conjunctivitis

Often caused by the same viruses that lead to colds and other respiratory infections. It is highly contagious and usually resolves on its own.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Caused by bacteria, this type can result in more severe symptoms and may require antibiotic treatment.

Chemical Conjunctivitis

Results from exposure to irritants like chlorine, smoke, or chemicals. Immediate flushing of the eyes is crucial in these cases.

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust, or pet dander. It is not contagious and is often associated with other allergy symptoms.

Giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC)

Another type of allergic conjunctivitis is called giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC). Doctors aren’t sure what causes it, but it seems to be a type of allergic reaction to contact lenses.

Conjunctivitis in Babies (neonatal)

Neonatal, or newborn, conjunctivitis affects babies in their first month. The most common cause is an infection passed on at birth by a mother with chlamydia or gonorrhoea. Neonatal conjunctivitis can cause permanent eye damage if it isn’t treated quickly.

Living with Conjunctivitis

If you experience symptoms of conjunctivitis, it’s essential to follow your eye care professional’s recommendations. Conjunctivitis can be infectious — to reduce the risk of it spreading, follow these steps:

  • Practice good hygiene, such as washing hands regularly.
  • Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.
  • Use clean towels and avoid sharing personal items like makeup or eye drops.
  • Stay away from known allergens when possible.

Diagnosis

To diagnose conjunctivitis, an eye care professional will conduct a comprehensive eye examination and review your medical history. They may ask about symptoms, potential exposures, and any accompanying health issues.

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Conjunctivitis Treatment

Treatment for conjunctivitis depends on the type and its underlying cause — some types resolve on their own, others need medical treatment. It’s important to see an eye care professional for an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment plan.

Viral Conjunctivitis

Viral conjunctivitis typically resolves on its own without medical intervention. However, to alleviate discomfort, the following treatments can be helpful:

  • Cool Compresses: Applying a cool, damp cloth over the eyes can help reduce swelling and relieve itching or irritation. It’s important to use a clean cloth each time to prevent the spread of infection.
  • Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter artificial tear drops can provide moisture and comfort to dry or irritated eyes. They can help flush out any discharge and reduce discomfort. Be sure to select preservative-free options if using them frequently.
  • Rest and Hygiene: Keeping the eyes clean and resting them can facilitate recovery. Avoid touching or rubbing the eyes, and wash hands frequently to prevent spreading the infection.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Bacterial conjunctivitis often requires medical treatment to clear the infection effectively. Treatment options include:

  • Antibiotic Eye Drops or Ointments: A healthcare professional may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointments, which are effective in eliminating bacterial infections. It’s crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve before finishing the medication.
  • Avoid Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, it’s advisable to stop using them until the infection has fully resolved. This helps prevent further irritation and potential complications.
  • Follow-Up: If symptoms do not improve within a few days of starting treatment, a follow-up appointment may be necessary to reassess the situation and possibly adjust treatment.
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Allergic Conjunctivitis

For allergic conjunctivitis, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and minimizing exposure to allergens:

  • Antihistamine Eye Drops: These prescription or over-the-counter eye drops help alleviate itching, redness, and swelling caused by allergies. They work by blocking the effects of histamine, a substance your body releases during an allergic reaction.
  • Avoiding Allergens: Identifying and avoiding triggers is crucial for managing allergic conjunctivitis. This may involve staying indoors during high pollen seasons, using air filters, or avoiding pet dander.
  • Oral Antihistamines: In some cases, oral antihistamines may also be recommended to help control overall allergy symptoms, particularly if accompanied by nasal congestion or sneezing.
  • Cold Compresses: Similar to viral conjunctivitis, using a cool compress can provide relief from itching and swelling.

Chemical Conjunctivitis

Chemical conjunctivitis is a more urgent situation that requires immediate action:

  • Immediate Irrigation: If exposure to a chemical irritant occurs, it’s crucial to flush the eyes immediately with clean, lukewarm water or saline solution. This should be done for at least 15 minutes to remove the chemical and minimize damage to the eye.
  • Seek Professional Help: After irrigation, it’s essential to visit an eye care professional as soon as possible. They can assess any potential damage and provide further treatment, which may include medicated eye drops to reduce inflammation and pain.
  • Follow-Up Care: Depending on the severity of the exposure, follow-up appointments may be necessary to monitor healing and ensure no long-term damage has occurred.

How to Stop Infectious Conjunctivitis from Spreading

There are steps you can take to prevent conjunctivitis from spreading to others.

Do

  • Wash your hands regularly with warm, soapy water
  • Wash your pillowcases and face cloths in hot water and detergent
  • Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing and put used tissues in the bin

Don’t

  • Don’t share towels and pillows
  • Don’t rub your eyes
  • Don’t share makeup products with other people

Frequently Asked Questions About Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as “pink eye”, is a common eye condition that affects millions of people each year. It’s inflammation of the conjunctiva — the thin, clear membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the white of the eyeball. When this membrane becomes irritated or inflamed, it can cause discomfort, redness, and discharge from the eye.

Symptoms can include a red or pink appearance, itching or burning, sticky discharge, crusty eyelids (especially on waking), sensitivity to light, redness behind the eyelid, puffy swollen eyelids, excessive tears, and a gritty feeling like sand in the eye. Children with conjunctivitis almost always rub their eyes excessively, and may also get an itchy or runny nose and sneezing.

If you suspect you have conjunctivitis, or you’re experiencing any eye discomfort, contact us to book an appointment with one of our experienced optometrists.

The main types are:

Viral — often caused by the same viruses behind colds and other respiratory infections. It’s highly contagious and usually resolves on its own.

Bacterial — caused by bacteria, and can produce more severe symptoms that may need antibiotic treatment.

Chemical — results from exposure to irritants like chlorine, smoke, or chemicals. Immediate flushing of the eyes is crucial in these cases.

Allergic — triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust, or pet dander. It isn’t contagious and often comes with other allergy symptoms.

There’s also giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC), a type of allergic reaction linked to contact lens wear, and neonatal conjunctivitis, which affects babies in their first month — most commonly from an infection passed on at birth, and which can cause permanent eye damage if not treated quickly.

Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can be infectious. To reduce the risk of it spreading, practise good hygiene such as washing your hands regularly, avoiding touching or rubbing your eyes, and not sharing towels, makeup or eye drops.

An eye care professional will conduct a comprehensive eye examination and review your medical history, asking about your symptoms, potential exposures, and any accompanying health issues.

Treatment depends on the type.

Viral conjunctivitis typically clears up on its own. Cool compresses, preservative-free artificial tears, and resting the eyes can help ease discomfort while it clears.

Bacterial conjunctivitis often needs antibiotic eye drops or ointment, prescribed by a healthcare professional. It’s important to complete the full course even if symptoms improve early, and to stop wearing contact lenses until the infection has fully resolved.

Allergic conjunctivitis is managed with antihistamine eye drops, avoiding known allergens where possible, and sometimes oral antihistamines or cold compresses for extra relief.

Chemical conjunctivitis needs the most urgent response: flush the eyes immediately with clean, lukewarm water or saline for at least 15 minutes, then seek professional help as soon as possible. Medicated eye drops may be needed to reduce inflammation and pain, and prevent long-term damage.

Medically reviewed by Amar-Kaash Gandecha, BSc(Hons) MCOptom DipTp(IP), Prof Cert Glauc, Director/Optometrist — Last reviewed 14 August 2026.