Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the clear surface of the eye or conjunctiva. It usually starts in one eye but can spread to both.  It can be caused by:

1. Bacterial infection in the eye
2. Viral infection e.g. flu like virus
3. Allergy e.g. due to pollen, house dust or pets.

You may experience all or some of these symptoms:- Redness, watering/discharge, gritty feeling/slight feeling of something in the eye,  sometimes slight sensitivity to light, puffiness or swelling of the eye/itching.

Treatment:  this will depend on the cause or type:

1. Bacterial type - treated with antibiotic drops and/or ointment (always complete the full course of antibiotics or the infection can return)
2. Viral type - an antibiotic may be prescribed but despite the treatment little or no improvement is likely to occur for 2 weeks.  This is because all viruses have to run their course before resolving.
3. Allergic type – may involve the use of anti-allergic drops.  If you know what has caused the allergy you should avoid contact with it if possible.

Conjunctivitis caused by virus or infection can be passed on from one person to another very easily by touch.  It is important to follow these instructions:

1. Follow the instructions on your drops/ointment and complete the course of the treatment.
2. Do not let anyone else use your drops/ointment.
3. Keep a separate towel, flannel and soap for your own use.
4. Wash hands at regular intervals to avoid spreading the infection to others.
5. Children should be discouraged from rubbing or touching their eyes if possible.
6. Contact lens wearer should stop wearing their lenses.  The lenses can be worn when all symptoms have resolved.  It is essential that you thoroughly clean/sterilise lenses during use strictly following the manufacturer’s instructions

Conjunctivitis can be treated by your GP or Walk-in-Centre.  If it does recur in the future he/she can help you.