About this condition
Typical symptoms include redness, tearing, itching, a gritty sensation and discharge. Some forms affect one eye first and then the other. Allergic conjunctivitis often itches, while viral or bacterial infections may be contagious. The symptoms overlap and cannot reliably identify the pathogen by appearance alone.
Clinical features
Not every red eye is simple conjunctivitis. Corneal infection, inflammation inside the eye and other serious problems may cause pain, marked light sensitivity or reduced vision. Contact lens wearers require particular caution because microbial keratitis can threaten sight.
Important differences and warning signs
The ophthalmologist asks about onset, exposures, allergy, contact lenses and any injury. Examination considers visual acuity, the conjunctiva and the cornea. Laboratory tests are not necessary for every routine case; investigations are guided by severity and clinical findings.
Assessment and individual care
Treatment depends on the cause and may include hygiene, avoiding irritants or targeted therapy. Antibiotics are not routinely appropriate for viral or allergic conditions. Avoid sharing eye drops, touching the bottle tip to the eye or wearing contact lenses during an active episode.
Related information: Eye pain and light sensitivity; Contact-lens fitting.
Signs and symptoms
- Redness, tearing, itching or a gritty feeling.
- Discharge or sticky eyelids, especially after sleep.
- Sometimes swelling and discomfort; severe pain and reduced vision are warning signs, not routine findings.
Diagnosis and tests
The clinician examines visual acuity, conjunctiva and cornea, taking account of allergies, contacts and exposure history. Testing is selective.
Care and treatment approaches
Care may include hygiene, symptom relief and cause-specific treatment. Do not self-prescribe antibiotics or steroid eye drops; stop contact-lens use until assessed.
When to seek urgent care
Severe pain, pronounced photophobia, reduced vision, eye injury or a painful red eye in a contact-lens user requires urgent same-day assessment. Call 103 for sudden major vision loss or serious trauma.
Frequently asked questions
Is conjunctivitis contagious?
Some viral and bacterial forms can spread; allergic conjunctivitis does not. Hand hygiene and avoiding shared towels can reduce transmission.
Does every case need antibiotic drops?
No. The cause of inflammation determines treatment, and antibiotics do not treat viral or allergic conjunctivitis.
Can I keep wearing contact lenses with a red eye?
No. Remove the lenses and obtain medical advice, particularly if there is pain, light sensitivity or blurred vision.
Information sources
Medical source links used when preparing this article.
Important information
A medical consultation is needed for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Self-treatment can be harmful to your health.
