Going home after your visit
Conjunctivitis — red, sticky eye
How to look after a sore, red or sticky eye, and the signs that need checking.
You have conjunctivitis — redness and soreness of the surface of the eye. It is usually caused by a virus or bacteria, and sometimes an allergy. It is common and usually clears up on its own within a couple of weeks.
Your care details
To be completed by the team before you leave.
this Emergency Department your nearest A&E other:
none needed
Come back to A&E or an urgent eye service if any of these happen
These can be signs of a more serious eye problem and need checking quickly.
- Pain inside the eye, not just irritation
- Any change in your vision, or loss of vision
- Your eye hurts in bright light
- A very red eye, especially around the coloured part
- A newborn baby under 30 days old with a red, sticky eye
- You wear contact lenses and your eye is sore
- It is not getting better after 1–2 weeks
CALL 999 if you cannot get to an eye service, call 111 for advice.
Caring for your eyes
- Gently wipe away crusts with cotton wool dipped in cooled boiled water. Use a fresh piece for each eye.
- Wash your hands often and do not share towels or pillows — it spreads easily.
- Do not wear contact lenses until your eye is completely better.
- A cool compress held over the eye can soothe it.
- Most cases do not need antibiotic drops and settle on their own.
What is normal
While your eye is healing, you may have any of these:
RednessWateringSticky or crusty lidsA gritty feelingOne or both eyes
It usually clears within 2 weeks. Go to work or school as usual unless you feel unwell.
Where to get help
999
Life-threatening emergency, or a red-flag symptom above
111
Urgent but not life-threatening, or you're not sure — call or visit 111.nhs.uk, 24/7
Your team
Use the department phone in Your care details above