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Infective conjunctivitis - what should I look out for?

Average rating: 4 out of 5 star rating

  • Serious infections. Most conjunctival infections are not serious, do not harm the eye, and clear in a few days. However, some infections such as herpes or chlamydia persist longer than usual, are more serious, and need special treatment. These may start off like a common conjunctivitis but become worse.
  • Other eye problems. Sometimes it is difficult for a doctor to tell the difference between infective and allergic conjunctivitis. They can appear very similar. This is often a problem in the hay fever season when red, watery eyes are common. Also, some other eye conditions can cause a red eye and may be mistaken at first for conjunctivitis.

Therefore, see a doctor if any of the following occur.

  • Symptoms do not settle within a few days.
  • Symptoms change (for example, light starts to hurt your eyes).
  • Pain becomes worse (mild soreness rather than pain is usual with common conjunctivitis).
  • Spots or blisters develop on the skin next to the eye.
  • Your vision becomes affected.
© EMIS and PIP 2006 Updated: October 2006 PRODIGY Validated

Average rating:

4 out of 5 star rating

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