Quick answer
What is conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the front of the eye, often called red or pink eye. It makes the eye red, watery and sometimes sticky. It is usually caused by an infection or an allergy, is common, and most cases clear up on their own within a couple of weeks.
What is conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva — the thin, clear layer covering the front of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. It is often called red eye or pink eye. It is very common, usually mild, and most cases get better on their own.
Symptoms
Conjunctivitis can cause:
- redness or pinkness in the white of the eye
- watering
- a sticky coating on the lashes, especially in the morning
- a gritty, itchy or burning feeling
It can affect one or both eyes.
What causes it
There are three common causes: infections (viral or bacterial), allergies (such as to pollen), and irritants (such as chlorine or smoke). Infective conjunctivitis spreads easily, while allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious and often comes with other allergy symptoms.
Treatment and self-help
Most conjunctivitis clears up without specific treatment. To ease symptoms and avoid spreading an infection:
- gently clean the eyelids with cooled boiled water and cotton wool
- use a cool compress on the eye
- wash your hands often and avoid sharing towels or pillows
- remove contact lenses until the eye is better
A pharmacist can recommend eye drops for some types, including allergy-related conjunctivitis.
When to seek help
See a pharmacist or GP if it does not improve within a couple of weeks. Get urgent, same-day advice for eye pain, light sensitivity, changes in vision, or intense redness in one eye — and always have a newborn’s red eye checked promptly.
Common questions
- Is conjunctivitis contagious?
- Infective conjunctivitis (caused by bacteria or viruses) spreads easily through hands, towels and close contact. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious. To avoid spreading the infectious type, wash your hands often and do not share towels or pillows.
- How do I treat conjunctivitis at home?
- Most cases settle on their own. You can ease symptoms by gently cleaning the eyelids with cooled boiled water and cotton wool, using a cool compress, and removing contact lenses until it clears. A pharmacist can advise on eye drops if needed.
- How long does conjunctivitis last?
- It usually clears within one to two weeks without specific treatment. If it lasts longer, or you have pain or vision changes, see a GP.
- When is a red eye serious?
- Most red eyes are minor, but eye pain, light sensitivity, reduced vision, or intense redness in one eye can signal something more serious and need urgent assessment. A red eye in a newborn should always be checked promptly.