Conjunctivitis Treatment Online — Ireland

About conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis ("pink eye") is inflammation of the conjunctiva — the thin membrane covering the white of the eye and inner eyelids. It's very common in Ireland, particularly in children. Most cases are mild, self-limiting, and don't need antibiotic treatment, but accurate identification of the cause (viral, bacterial, or allergic) helps target the right management — and rules out more serious eye conditions.

Symptoms and signs

• Red or pink appearance to the white of the eye
• Discharge — watery (viral, allergic) or thick/sticky/yellow-green (bacterial)
• Gritty, itchy, or burning sensation
• Crusting on eyelids on waking
• Slight blurring of vision that clears with blinking
• One or both eyes affected (typically one then the other in infectious causes)

Causes — and how to tell them apart

Per NICE CKS:

• Viral conjunctivitis (most common): often follows or accompanies a cold; watery discharge; very contagious; lasts 1–3 weeks; no specific treatment
• Bacterial conjunctivitis: thicker yellow-green discharge; eyelids stuck together on waking; usually resolves in 7–10 days without antibiotics
• Allergic conjunctivitis: itchy, watery, both eyes; often with hay fever, eczema, or asthma; seasonal or perennial; treated with antihistamines

When to seek urgent care — red flags

An Online Doctor consultation is appropriate for typical conjunctivitis. Seek same-day in-person review (your treating doctor, eye casualty, or emergency department) if you have any of: severe eye pain; vision loss or significant blurring; photophobia (severe light sensitivity); contact lens wearer (risk of bacterial keratitis — sight-threatening); recent eye injury or chemical exposure; foreign-body sensation that doesn't clear; cornea looks white/cloudy; pupil shape abnormal; newborn baby (specific neonatal pathway). These suggest conditions other than simple conjunctivitis.

Treatment options

Per NICE and ICGP guidance, treatment depends on the type:

• Viral conjunctivitis: cool compresses, lubricant eye drops (artificial tears) for comfort; resolves without antibiotics
• Bacterial conjunctivitis: most cases resolve in 7–10 days without treatment. Antibiotic drops (chloramphenicol, fusidic acid) may shorten illness slightly; used in moderate-to-severe cases, contact lens wearers, or workers in healthcare/childcare
• Allergic conjunctivitis: topical antihistamine drops (olopatadine, sodium cromoglicate) — often very effective; oral antihistamines if associated hay fever symptoms
• Hygiene measures: hand washing, separate towels, avoid eye rubbing

Self-care and preventing spread

Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are highly contagious. Wash hands frequently. Don't share towels, pillowcases, or eye makeup. Discard contact lenses and lens cases used during the infection. Don't wear contact lenses until completely resolved. Use a fresh tissue to wipe each eye. Don't rub your eyes. School/work exclusion isn't routinely required per HSE/HSPC guidance, though some workplaces have their own policies.

Frequently asked questions

Can my child go to school with conjunctivitis?

Per HSE/HSPC guidance, children with conjunctivitis don't routinely need to stay home — but check your school's specific policy. Good hand hygiene reduces spread. If discharge is heavy or your child is unwell, keep them home until better.

Do I need antibiotic eye drops?

Most cases — even bacterial — resolve without antibiotics in 7–10 days per NICE. Antibiotics may shorten illness by a day or two but aren't always necessary. Antibiotic stewardship guidance favours symptom-based management for mild cases.

I wear contact lenses — what should I do?

Stop wearing contact lenses immediately and don't restart until fully resolved. Contact lens wear with red eye carries risk of bacterial keratitis (corneal infection) which can threaten vision. Seek same-day in-person assessment if you wear lenses and have a red painful eye.

Is it conjunctivitis or something else?

Conjunctivitis without pain or vision change is usually straightforward. The presence of significant pain, vision loss, photophobia, or unusual appearance (cloudy cornea, irregular pupil) suggests a more serious condition like iritis, keratitis, or angle-closure glaucoma — these need urgent ophthalmology assessment.

Sources: HSE.ie, NICE CKS Conjunctivitis, ICGP, Royal College of Ophthalmologists. General information only.