Conjunctivitis
Date issued: January 2024
Review date: January 2026
Ref: C-519/MS/Ophthalmology/Conjunctivitis V3
PDF: Conjunctivitis 2024 v3.pdf [pdf] 147KB
Conjunctivitis
What is Conjunctivitis?
It is an inflammation condition of the conjunctiva, which is the clear membrane/skin that covers the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelids.
What causes it?
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Bacteria
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Virus
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Allergy/chemical
Signs and Symptoms
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Soreness
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Gritty sensation
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Red Eyes
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Discharge: watery, sticky
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Sticky eyes in morning
Treatment
The Nurse Practitioner or Doctor will examine you on a microscope.
They may take swabs to send to the laboratory to find out what is causing the conjunctivitis if this is not apparent from the examination, or there has been a lack of improvement with treatment.
Results can take a few weeks to come through, but we will contact you if your treatment needs changing.
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
This is treated with antibiotic drops or ointment.
Viral Conjunctivitis
There is no specific treatment for this. It can take up to 5 weeks to settle. You may be given antibiotic drops to prevent a secondary infection. A lubricating drop/gel may help to aid comfort to the eye.
Allergy/Chemical
This is a common feature of hay fever, and of allergy to dust, pollen, animal fur etc. It may also be caused by chemicals. This is treated with anti allergy drops or a mild steroid drop/ointment.
Conjunctivitis is infectious
Please follow these rules.
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Use own flannel and towel.
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Wash hands thoroughly after touching eyes.
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Wash hands before and after putting drops, or ointment in.
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Use tissues if you need to wipe eyes and throw away immediately.
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Never use anyone else’s drops or ointment.
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Never let anyone else use your treatment.
Throw drops/ointment away after completing your treatment.
The future
If you should experience similar symptoms in the future, please make an appointment to see your GP.
