What is conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the thin, clear tissue, the conjunctiva, that lines the eyelids and eyeball. It is very common and very infectious.

Conjunctivitis is caused by a viral or bacterial infection, hayfever, allergies, or, in babies, a tear duct that doesn't completely open or an infection from bacteria in the birth canal. This can be serious and cause sight problems if it isn't treated.

Symptoms

Red, sore, gritty, watery, itchy eyes. There may be yellow or green discharge (pus) which makes eyelids sticky.

What makes it better?

Washing your eyes

• Before touching them wash your hands with soap and warm water.
• Dry them with a clean (or disposable) towel.
• Clean away any pus, crust or discharge with a disposable cotton swab and a weak salt water solution (1 tsp of salt in 500ml of cooled, boiled water).
• Wipe your eye once, from the end nearest your nose to the outside, then throw the swab away. Continue until your eye is clean. Wash and dry your hands again.

NB: Cotton wool balls are not ideal because they can unravel, leaving cotton in your eye. Surgical swabs from your chemist, disposable eye make-up removal pads or tampons that have been opened and cut into thirds with clean scissors are best

Using eye drops or ointments prescribed by your doctor:

• Gently pull down the lower eyelid to make a pocket.
• Tilt your head back to look at the ceiling.
• Drop the right amount of liquid into the outer third of the pocket, or run ointment along the inside. Wash your hands
• Don't use make-up until the swelling and redness go. 

How can I protect myself and others?

• Try not to touch your eye: you can spread infection to your other eye or someone else. If you do touch it, wash your hands well.
• Use your own flannel, towels, pillows and bed linen.
• Don't send children or babies with conjunctivitis to preschool if the eye is weeping. To prevent reinfection, wash their hands often. 

How can my doctor help?

For bacterial infection you may be given antibiotic ointments or drops. Eye drops may soothe viral infections and prevent further infection. You may need anti-allergy medicine or drops.

Written by Anna Mickell RCpN. Reviewed by everybody.