Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis can be either irritant, allergic or infective. Irritant conjunctivitis is caused by a particle or chemical getting into the eye, making it swell and either itch or feel sore. The symptoms should clear up once the substance has been washed out.

Allergic conjunctivitis is triggered by an allergen like pet fur or pollen getting into the eye.

Infectious conjunctivitis is caused by a bacterial or viral infection. It's common in young children and can be contagious. It doesn't cause any complications in most people, but newborn babies are vulnerable to more serious infection which could damage their eyes, so if your baby has symptoms of conjunctivitis, he should be seen by a doctor straightaway.

There is another type of conjunctivitis in adults that's caused by infection with the herpes virus. This is more severe, can last several weeks and needs intensive treatments with antivirals and steroids.

What are the symptoms of Conjunctivitis?

In irritant or allergic conjunctivitis, redness and watering of the eyes; in infectious conjunctivitis, sticky discharge clogging up the eyelashes or sticking the eyes together overnight; itchy, sore or burning sensation; sensitivity to light.

What are the treatments and remedies of Conjunctivitis?

There isn't usually any need for medical treatment of irritant conjunctivitis. The best home treatment is to bathe the eyes regularly with cooled, boiled water. Symptoms usually clear up within a few days. For infective conjunctivitis, medicated drops may be necessary.

Allergic conjunctivitis can be treated with anti-inflammatory eye drops.

This guide 

The information in this Bounty A-Z of Family Health is not a substitute for an examination, diagnosis or treatment by a doctor, midwife, health visitor or any other qualified health professional. If in doubt, always speak to a doctor.

Bounty will not be held responsible or liable for any injury, loss, damage, or illness, however this occurs or appears, after using the information given on this website and in particular the A-Z of Family Health.

Further help

For health advice and information 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the NHS offers call and web services. You can also visit NHS websites for services, health information and health news at nhs.uk 

• England – call 111 from any landline or mobile phone free of charge, or visit nhs.uk 
• Scotland – call 111 from any landline or mobile phone free of charge, or visit nhs24.com 
• Wales – call 0845 4647 , or visit nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk 
• Northern Ireland – visit hscni.net