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Conjunctivitis

A red, sticky, or watery eye. Usually mild and self-limiting.

Speak to a GP about conjunctivitisFrom £79

In short

Conjunctivitis is common and usually mild, settling without antibiotics. The important job is telling it apart from the small number of red-eye causes that are serious, which a GP can help with.

Overview

What is conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the thin membrane covering the white of the eye and inner eyelids. It can be viral (most common), bacterial, or allergic. It causes a red, gritty, watery, or sticky eye, usually without pain or changes in vision. It's usually harmless, but pain, light sensitivity, or reduced vision point to something else.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

  • Red or bloodshot eye(s)
  • A gritty or burning feeling
  • Watery or sticky discharge
  • Eyelids stuck together after sleep
  • Itching (more typical of the allergic type)

When to act

When to see a doctor

Book a GP if symptoms are severe, not settling, or you're unsure of the cause. Seek same-day eye care for eye pain, light sensitivity, reduced vision, a red eye after injury, or conjunctivitis in a newborn.

When to seek urgent help

Seek urgent help if

  • Eye pain (more than mild discomfort), or sensitivity to light (seek same-day eye care)
  • Reduced or blurred vision
  • A red eye after an injury, or something stuck in the eye
  • Conjunctivitis in a newborn baby (needs urgent assessment)
  • Intense redness around the iris, or a very painful red eye (could be a serious cause)

Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies or NHS 111 for urgent non-emergency advice.

Treatment

How a private GP can help

  • An assessment to tell apart viral, bacterial, and allergic conjunctivitis
  • Reassurance and self-care advice for the common viral type
  • Antibiotic eye drops where a bacterial cause is likely and treatment is needed
  • Antihistamine drops for allergic conjunctivitis
  • Clear advice on the red flags that mean a different, more serious eye problem
  • Signposting to urgent eye care when needed

What we don't do

  • Emergency eye conditions (seek urgent eye care or A&E)
  • Specialist ophthalmology assessment (referred on)

Pricing

What it costs

An online consultation about conjunctivitis starts at £79 for a 20-minute video appointment. In-pharmacy consultations are £129 and home visits are £189. Your consultation includes one private prescription if appropriate, and a sick note for work if needed. You pay the pharmacy separately for any medication.

See full pricing breakdown

FAQ

Common questions about conjunctivitis

Does conjunctivitis need antibiotics?
Usually not. Most conjunctivitis is viral or allergic and settles without antibiotics. Antibiotic drops are only helpful for bacterial cases and are often unnecessary.
How long is it contagious?
Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can be contagious while the eye is red and weepy. Wash hands often, don't share towels, and avoid rubbing the eye.
Can I wear contact lenses?
Stop wearing lenses until the eye is completely better, and replace the lens case. If you wear lenses and have a painful red eye, get it checked promptly.
When is a red eye serious?
Pain, light sensitivity, reduced vision, a red eye after injury, or a very painful red eye aren't typical conjunctivitis and need urgent eye assessment.
See all conditions we can help with

Ready to talk to a GP about conjunctivitis?

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