Conjunctivitis — Fast Diagnosis & Same Day Treatment

Symptoms differ slightly depending on the type of conjunctivitis, but the most common signs our GPs see include:

• Red or pink eyes — visible inflammation across the white of one or both eyes
• Itchy, irritated eyes — a persistent urge to rub the eye
• Watery or sticky discharge — clear and watery or thick yellow and green
• Crusting around the eyelids — particularly noticeable first thing in the morning
• Swollen eyelids — puffiness and heaviness around the eye area
• Sensitivity to light — discomfort in bright indoor or outdoor lighting
• Gritty or burning sensation — a feeling of sand or dust in the eye
• Blurred vision — caused by discharge filming over the surface of the eye

Bacterial Conjunctivitis: The most common type in the UK, caused by bacteria including Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. It produces a thick yellow or green discharge that causes the eyelids to stick together, particularly overnight. Bacterial conjunctivitis is highly contagious and typically requires antibiotic eye drops or ointment to clear up fully within 5 to 7 days.

Viral Conjunctivitis Caused by the same viruses responsible for the common cold, viral conjunctivitis produces a watery discharge and often accompanies an upper respiratory infection. It is extremely contagious and spreads easily through direct contact. Antibiotics will not help viral conjunctivitis — treatment focuses on symptom relief while the infection runs its natural course of 1 to 3 weeks.

Allergic Conjunctivitis is triggered by allergens, including pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and certain cosmetics. Both eyes are usually affected simultaneously, causing intense itching, watering, and swelling. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious and is best treated with antihistamine eye drops or oral antihistamines.

Contact Lens Related Conjunctivitis Wearing contact lenses — particularly if worn for too long or not cleaned correctly — can trigger a specific form of conjunctivitis. Contact lens wearers should always stop wearing lenses immediately at the first sign of eye redness or irritation and seek prompt medical advice.

You should book an online GP appointment if:

• Symptoms have lasted longer than 7 days with no improvement
• You have significant pain inside the eye, rather than surface irritation
• Your vision has become noticeably blurred or disturbed
• You have intense sensitivity to light
• There is heavy yellow or green discharge from one or both eyes
• A newborn baby shows any signs of eye redness or discharge
• You wear contact lenses and have developed eye redness or irritation
• Your conjunctivitis keeps returning throughout the year

Our doctors will carry out a full assessment of your symptoms, medical history, and contact lens use before recommending the most appropriate treatment:

✓ Prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment for confirmed bacterial conjunctivitis

✓ Recommend antihistamine eye drops or oral antihistamines for allergic conjunctivitis

✓ Advise on safe eye hygiene techniques to prevent spreading the infection

✓ Provide guidance on contact lens hygiene and when it is safe to resume wearing them

✓ Recommend lubricating eye drops to relieve dryness and irritation during recovery

✓ Refer you to an ophthalmologist if symptoms are severe, recurring, or vision is affected

Conjunctivitis accounts for approximately 1 in 35 of all GP consultations in the UK every year — making it one of the most common reasons people seek medical advice. Do not let a treatable eye infection drag on for weeks. Our online GPs are available 7 days a week — get diagnosed, get your prescription, and start feeling better today.

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