Conjunctivitis
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 discharge (watery or pus).
Bacteria and viruses cause infective conjunctivitis, and this is contagious. Steps should be taken to avoid the spread at home, don’t share towels, and wash hands regularly. Conjunctivitis caused by allergies, like hay fever, is not contagious.
Treatment for conjunctivitis
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.
How to treat conjunctivitis yourself
There are also things you can do to help ease the symptoms of conjunctivitis.
- Do not wear contact lenses until your eyes are better.
- Wash your eyelids with clean water. Boil the water and let it cool down, then gently wipe your eyelashes with a clean cotton wool pad to clean off crusts (one piece for each eye). Commercially available lid wipes can be sourced at your local pharmacy
- Hold a cold flannel on your eyes for a few minutes to cool them down.
If you have concerns, go to your Optometrist.
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