Conjunctivitis
The symptoms of conjunctivitis will depend on what's causing the condition.
However,the two main symptoms are usually:
Only one eyetends to beaffected at first,but symptoms usuallyaffect both eyeswithin a few hours.
If you have infective conjunctivitis, you may also have:
You may have itchy eyesif you have allergic conjunctivitis.
The pattern of symptoms for allergic conjunctivitis depends on the substance you're allergic to.
Indoor allergy topollen ( hay fever ) occur during certain parts of the year. You can have an allergy to:
It's highly likely that the pollen will also cause other symptoms, such as sneezing anda runny or blocked nose.
Allergies to dust mites or animal fur cause symptoms throughout the year. Both eyes are usually affected and you may find the symptoms worse in the morning.
Some people develop an allergy to eye drops. This is known as contact dermatoconjunctivitis and it can also affect your eyelids, causing them to become dry and sore.
Some people are allergic to wearing contact lenses, which is known as giant papillary conjunctivitis. The symptoms progress much more slowly and you may also develop small spots on the inside of your upper eyelids.This type of conjunctivitis carries a high risk of complications, so you need to seek medical advice as soon as possible
Most cases of conjunctivitis aren't a cause for concern, but you should contact your GP if you think you have it, particularly if you think it's related to wearing contact lenses.
Your GP can check whether there's a more serious underlying cause of your symptoms.
The following symptoms could be the sign of a more serious eye condition:
Contact your GP immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. If this isn't possible, visit your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department .
Conjunctivitis is a common condition that causes redness and inflammation of the thin layer of tissue that covers the front of the eye (the conjunctiva).
Read about the symptoms of conjunctivitis. The two most common symptoms are eye redness and a discharge.
Find out what causes conjunctivitis. The three most common causes are infection, allergic reaction or eye irritation.
Find out how conjunctivitis is diagnosed. Your GP will ask you about your symptoms, examine your eyes and may recommend further tests, such as a swab test.
The recommended treatment for conjunctivitis will depend on whether it's caused by infection, an allergic reaction or an irritant, such as a stray eyelash.
Complications of conjunctivitis depend on whether the condition is an infection (infective conjunctivitis) or an allergic reaction (allergic conjunctivitis).