Conjunctivitis

Your eye care professional, GP or pharmacist will be able to determine the presence and cause of conjunctivitis through an examination of the conjunctiva and surrounding area. Symptoms include^1^:

• Pinkish or red colouration to the eyes
• A discharge from the eyes
• Feeling of discomfort in the eyes

Additional symptoms
If you have infective conjunctivitis, you may have build-up or crusting overnight that makes it difficult to open your eyes on waking. You may also experience a burning sensation or feel like you have grit in your eye^2^.If you have allergic conjunctivitis your eyes may feel itchy^2^ and there may be a sticky discharge.

Conjunctivitis will generally run its course. However, infective conjunctivitis can be treated with eye drops containing chloramphenicol, which you can buy from your local pharmacy^3^. Allergic conjunctivitis can usually be treated with anti-allergy medication such as antihistamines^3^.

A number of steps can be taken to treat the infection and limit its spread. These include: washing hands frequently; using a clean tissue or eyelid wipe every time you wipe your eyes; immediately disposing of used tissues; and not sharing anything that may come into contact with your eyes, such as handkerchiefs, towels, sunglasses, makeup, eye drops or pillows^1^.