Eye Infections
0 Treatments
9 FAQs
An eye infection can be uncomfortable, sore and hard to hide, which makes it feel worse than it usually is. The good news is that most cases of conjunctivitis, blepharitis and styes are mild and settle down on their own within a couple of weeks with some simple home care.
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Treatments (0)
Advice for Eye Infections
Conjunctivitis
- Red or pink appearance in one or both eyes
- A gritty or burning feeling
- Watering
- Itching (more common with allergic conjunctivitis)
- Sticky, pus-like discharge that can crust the lashes, especially overnight
Discharge that's sticky, or eyes that feel gritty, usually points to an infectious (contagious) cause. Red, watery, itchy eyes without discharge are more typical of an allergic cause and aren't contagious.
Blepharitis
- Red, sore or itchy eyelid margins
- Eyelids that look swollen or greasy, with crusty lashes
- A gritty or burning sensation
- Eyelashes that grow abnormally or fall out in more severe cases
- Discomfort wearing contact lenses
Styes
- A small, painful, red lump on the eyelid, which may develop a yellow, pus-filled head
- Watering and general soreness in the affected eye
- Usually only one eye is affected, though it's possible to develop more than one
When to seek medical help urgently
Most eye infections are mild, but get urgent advice from a GP or NHS 111 if you or your child have:
- Pain in the eye (rather than just discomfort or grittiness)
- Sensitivity to light
- Any change in vision, such as blurring, wavy lines or flashing
- Intense redness in one or both eyes
- A baby under 30 days old with red, sticky eyes
These can be signs of a more serious eye condition that needs same-day assessment rather than online treatment.
Eye Infections FAQs (9)
"Eye infection" usually refers to one of three common conditions: conjunctivitis, blepharitis or a stye. They can look and feel similar at first, so it helps to know what sets each one apart.
Conjunctivitis (also called red eye or pink eye) is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, clear layer covering the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelid. It's usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection, or by an allergy such as hay fever. Infectious conjunctivitis is contagious and typically starts in one eye before spreading to the other.
Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelid margins, usually caused by a build-up of bacteria or by the small oil glands along the eyelid becoming blocked. It tends to be a long-term condition that flares up and settles rather than one that clears completely, so daily eyelid hygiene is usually the main way to manage it.
A stye is a small, tender lump on or inside the eyelid, caused by an infected eyelash follicle or blocked gland. Styes are often linked to blepharitis and, like a spot, will usually come to a head and drain on their own within a few weeks.
Infectious conjunctivitis (caused by bacteria or viruses) is contagious and can spread easily through contact, especially if there's sticky discharge. Allergic conjunctivitis, caused by things like pollen or dust mites, is not contagious.
No, you don't usually need to stay away from work or school with conjunctivitis unless you or your child are feeling very unwell. Good hand hygiene is normally enough to reduce the risk of spreading it to others.
Most cases clear up within one to two weeks without needing treatment. If it hasn't improved after a week or so, or is getting worse, it's worth getting it checked, as antibiotic drops may help speed up recovery.
It's best to avoid wearing contact lenses until your eyes have fully recovered. Once you're better, use fresh lenses, solution and a new case rather than the ones you were using while infected.
Blepharitis is inflammation along the whole eyelid margin and tends to be a long-term, recurring condition. A stye is a single, localised, painful lump caused by an infected follicle or gland, and the two are often linked, as blepharitis can make styes more likely.
Yes. If your baby has red, sticky eyes, it's important to get medical advice, and you should seek an urgent appointment if your baby is under 30 days old.
See a GP, optometrist or NHS 111 urgently if you have eye pain, sensitivity to light, any change in your vision, intense redness, or if you wear contact lenses and develop spots on the eyelids alongside your symptoms, as this can indicate an allergy to the lenses rather than infection.
Chloramphenicol is a commonly used antibiotic treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis and is generally well tolerated. As with any medicine, it's important to follow the instructions provided and to check suitability during your online assessment, particularly if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or the treatment is for a young child.