Conjunctivitis

A red, irritated eye. Usually caused by a virus and usually clears up by itself.

In short

The conjunctiva is the thin membrane over the white of the eye. When it is inflamed, the eye turns red.
Usually caused by a virus, often with a cold. Sometimes by bacteria or an allergy.
Your vision stays normal; the eye feels burning or gritty rather than truly painful.
It usually clears up by itself within one to two weeks. Antibiotics are rarely needed.
Wash your hands often and use your own towel: viral conjunctivitis is contagious.

An eye with conjunctivitis Daemonanyndel, CC BY-SA 3.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.

Symptoms

Red eye, often first one and then both
Burning or gritty feeling, as if there is sand in the eye
Watery or sticky discharge; eyelids stuck together in the morning
Vision stays clear after blinking

How it develops

Usually a virus, often following a cold. Sometimes bacteria. Allergy, smoke, chlorinated water or contact lenses can cause the same picture. Viral conjunctivitis is contagious.

Treatment

Viral conjunctivitis clears by itself, usually within one to two weeks. Cooling and artificial tears ease the symptoms.
Bacterial conjunctivitis may be treated with antibiotic ointment or drops.
For allergy, antihistamine drops and avoiding the trigger help.
Good hand hygiene limits spread. Leave contact lenses out while the eye is red.

When to get help the same day

Contact your GP or the out-of-hours GP service (huisartsenpost) straight away if you have:

Reduced vision, or blurring that does not clear after blinking
Severe pain rather than irritation
Strong sensitivity to light
A red eye in someone who wears contact lenses
Symptoms after an injury or eye surgery

Make an appointment All eye conditions

This page is a short summary and does not replace a consultation. Want to know how the eye works? See The eye.