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Treatment of Conjunctivitis
Mild infections may not need treating and will clear up on their own. This includes the itching eyes of hayfever. The tears contain chemicals that will fight infections. But if the symptoms get worse or do not improve, treatment can be considered. It can be difficult to tell the difference between allergic and infective conjunctivitis, which is contagious; if you are not sure, visit your GP or seek advice from your pharmacist.
Cool water may help to soothe the redness and itching. Wash your eye with tepid (lukewarm) water, using a clean piece of cotton wool or gauze for each wipe. Clean the eye from the bridge of the nose to the outer eye. Do not share towels of flannels until the infection has cleared.
If you have to wipe your eyes, use tissues and throw them away immediately afterwards. Do not share your eye drops, and throw the bottle away when you are finished.
Do not wear contact lenses when you have conjunctivitis. If your conjunctivitis was caused by irritation due to wearing contact lenses, your eye specialist may recommend changing the type of lenses you use (for example from hard to soft). You should usually stop wearing lenses for a short period while your eyes heal, and your optician should go over the proper cleaning and handling methods with you, before you start wearing them again.
Antihistamine drugs can be used to reduce inflammation when it is caused by an allergic reaction. They will also treat related symptoms such as sneezing and rashes. Alternatively, or in addition to other treatments, drops such as sodium cromoglicate can be used to prevent the allergic reaction.
Infective conjunctivitis caused by bacteria is usually treated with antibiotic drops or ointment, in the affected eye. This is usually effective within a day or two. Note that not all antibiotic eye drops are suitable for use during pregnancy. Do not wear contact lenses while having antibiotic eye treatments. Antibiotics are most effective when a swab has been taken to identify the bacteria and thus the drugs best suited to treat it.
Conjunctivitis caused by viruses cannot be treated, but the eyes may be made more comfortable using an ointment.
In rare cases, when the cause has been proved to be an allergy, steroid eye drops may be given by an eye specialist. They must not be given in cases of viral or bacterial infections, because they can make the condition worse. Steroid eye drops are only given as a short term treatment and you will need to be carefully monitored for side effects such as raised pressure inside the eye.
