Conjunctivitis (red or sticky eye)
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the thin, clear layer covering the white of the eye. It is very common and usually clears up on its own within a week or two. It can be caused by a virus, bacteria or an allergy.
- Usually clears
- Within 1 to 2 weeks
- Contagious
- Infective types spread easily
- Antibiotics
- Not always needed
Common symptoms
- Red or pink eye
- A gritty, burning or itchy feeling
- Watering eyes
- A sticky discharge that can make the lashes crusty, or the eyelids stuck together after sleep
- Often starts in one eye and spreads to the other
The main types
- Viral — usually watery, often with a cold or sore throat. The most common type, and it gets better without treatment.
- Bacterial — usually a sticky yellow or green discharge. It often clears by itself, though treatment is sometimes helpful.
- Allergic — both eyes are itchy, red and watery, often with sneezing or a runny nose (for example with hay fever). It is not infectious.
What you can do yourself
- Clean around the eyes with cotton wool or a clean, soft cloth soaked in cooled boiled water. Wipe from the inner corner outwards, and use a fresh piece for each eye.
- Hold a cool, damp cloth against the eyes to ease soreness.
- Lubricating eye drops can ease grittiness.
- Do not wear contact lenses until the symptoms have completely gone, and ask us or your optician about cleaning or replacing them.
- Try not to touch or rub your eyes. Wash your hands often, and do not share towels or pillows.
- You do not usually need to stay off school or work, but good hand hygiene is important.
How PRX Pharmacy can help
Our pharmacists can look at your symptoms and advise on eye drops for irritation or allergy. In some cases, where a bacterial infection looks likely, we may be able to offer an antibiotic eye treatment. Most cases do not need one.
When to get medical help
Call 999 or go to A&E if:
- • You have had a chemical splash in the eye — rinse it with clean water immediately for at least 15 minutes, and go to A&E
- • You have lost vision suddenly, or have severe eye pain with a headache, feeling sick, or seeing halos around lights
- • The eye has been injured by something sharp or fast-moving
Contact your GP practice or call 111 the same day if:
- • You have severe eye pain, or pain when looking at light
- • Your vision is blurred or reduced, and it does not improve when you blink
- • You wear contact lenses and have a painful red eye
- • It is a newborn baby (under 28 days) with a sticky or red eye — get help urgently
- • You have a red eye with a swollen eyelid and a fever
- • You have a weakened immune system, or have had eye surgery recently
- • Your symptoms have not improved after about 2 weeks
If you are ever worried and unsure, ask us or call 111. Trust your instincts — it is always better to ask.
This guide is general information written by the PRX Pharmacy team. It does not replace advice from a pharmacist or doctor who knows your medical history.
Last updated 24 September 2026. Clinically reviewed by Milan Patel, Pharmacist on 24 September 2026.
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