Conjunctivitis (bacterial, viral and allergic)

Conjunctivitis Treatment

Conjunctivitis (bacterial, viral and allergic)

Bacterial: Caused by a bacterial infection. The most common symptoms are: redness, thick yellowish/greenish discharge causing the eyes to stick together particularly on waking, and a gritty feeling. Bacterial conjunctivitis can clear up on its own in 2 to 5 days with no treatment. Antibiotic eyedrops, available from us, can help speed your recovery, reduce relapse and prevent person to person spread.

Viral: Caused by a viral infection. The most common symptoms are: redness, watery or mucus discharge, and a burning, sandy, or gritty feeling in the eye. There is no cure for viral conjunctivitis. However, the infection usually resolves by itself in 2-4 weeks. A cold compress and lubricating eyedrops may help relieve the discomfort.

Both bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are highly contagious. It is important anyone who is infected follows strict hygiene measures (eg frequent hand washing and not sharing towels), and stays away from work/school while they are contagious.

Allergic: Caused by exposure to an allergen (eg pollen). The most common symptoms are: itchy, red, watery eyes. Common with other allergic disorders such as hay fever. Avoid rubbing your eyes. Using a cold compress, artificial tears and eye drops for allergy eye are all useful treatments for allergic conjunctivitis. 

Come in and talk to one of our pharmacists for advice and treatment for all types of conjunctivitis.