[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":966},["ShallowReactive",2],{"microcopies":3,"page-data-\u002Feye-health\u002Fconjunctivitis-pink-eye":9},{"of":4,"jumpToSection":5,"home":6,"availableAt":7,"accessedUpdated":8},"of","Jump to section","Home","Available at","Accessed",{"queryData":10,"breadcrumbTrail":965},{"contentPage":11},{"entryTitle":12,"pageTitle":13,"seoMetaData":14,"topSection":18,"bottomSection":30,"anchors":44,"mainSectionCollection":77},"en-IE - Eye health - Conjunctivitis - Content page","Conjunctivitis (red or pink eye)",{"metaDescription":15,"indexed":16,"follow":16,"metaKeywords":17,"updatedForProjectAlphabet":16},"Conjunctivitis is a common condition that causes inflammation of the thin layer of tissue. Find out more about symptoms and treatment here.",true,null,{"__typename":19,"sys":20,"title":22,"subtitle":23,"theme":24,"heroHeightVersion":25,"button":26},"HeroBanner",{"id":21},"6ZwJk95HrlQNvXJ4j5b8EW","Conjunctivitis","Conjunctivitis (pink eye) is a very common eye condition in the UK. Learn about types of conjunctivitis, causes, symptoms and treatments.","Ellipse","Condensed",{"linkText":27,"linkUrl":28,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29},"Book an appointment","\u002Fbook\u002Flocation",false,{"__typename":31,"sys":32,"title":34,"body":35,"buttonsCollection":36},"FullWidthBannerFooter",{"id":33},"fkTTrqXbtBwlZYYOQQpni","Get expert eye advice","If you’ve noticed a change in your vision, or have experienced any symptoms mentioned above, it’s worth booking an appointment with one of our optometrists.",{"items":37},[38,41],{"linkText":39,"linkUrl":40,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29},"Contact your local store","\u002Fstores",{"linkText":42,"linkUrl":43,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29},"See more eye conditions","\u002Feye-health",{"anchorLinksCollection":45},{"items":46},[47,52,57,62,67,72],{"anchorLabel":48,"includeLinkInPageNav":16,"anchorTarget":49},"Overview",{"sys":50},{"id":51},"4tVubKb3AMCnnep2cpo7kd",{"anchorLabel":53,"includeLinkInPageNav":16,"anchorTarget":54},"Symptoms",{"sys":55},{"id":56},"3HXmiEfHi7x5ws5ya9WOMQ",{"anchorLabel":58,"includeLinkInPageNav":16,"anchorTarget":59},"Causes",{"sys":60},{"id":61},"1LKyh3UDKrVEb7Qr2dwpkn",{"anchorLabel":63,"includeLinkInPageNav":16,"anchorTarget":64},"Diagnosis",{"sys":65},{"id":66},"4MRMf6QDPUK6RwzZFroopY",{"anchorLabel":68,"includeLinkInPageNav":16,"anchorTarget":69},"Treatment",{"sys":70},{"id":71},"3RCFQ2PA5iSazqobhyeif2",{"anchorLabel":73,"includeLinkInPageNav":16,"anchorTarget":74},"Prevention",{"sys":75},{"id":76},"6sqW5mHyKhXIRQJZnptWT6",{"items":78},[79,86,222,238,338,361,448,463,594,606,699,842,866,886,912],{"__typename":80,"sys":81,"linkEntries":82,"title":84,"body":85,"leftAligned":29},"Summary",{"id":51},{"items":83},[],"What is conjunctivitis (pink eye)?","Conjunctivitis happens when the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the eye, becomes inflamed. Infection or irritation can increase blood flow, making the eye look pink or red.",{"__typename":87,"sys":88,"theme":89,"genericTextComponent":90},"ContentTypeRichText",{"id":56},"Mono White",{"json":91,"links":219},{"nodeType":92,"data":93,"content":94},"document",{},[95,104,112,213],{"nodeType":96,"data":97,"content":98},"heading-2",{},[99],{"nodeType":100,"value":101,"marks":102,"data":103},"text","Symptoms of conjunctivitis",[],{},{"nodeType":105,"data":106,"content":107},"paragraph",{},[108],{"nodeType":100,"value":109,"marks":110,"data":111},"While there are a few different causes of conjunctivitis, they often share similar symptoms. You may only get symptoms in one eye, or you might get them in both. Pink eye can start in one eye, but then spread to the other. Here are some of the most common signs of conjunctivitis we see at our stores in the UK:",[],{},{"nodeType":113,"data":114,"content":115},"unordered-list",{},[116,127,137,160,182,203],{"nodeType":117,"data":118,"content":119},"list-item",{},[120],{"nodeType":105,"data":121,"content":122},{},[123],{"nodeType":100,"value":124,"marks":125,"data":126},"Red or pink eye – This is the most obvious symptom of conjunctivitis. When your body tries to fight off an infection, it sends more blood to the affected area (this is known as inflammation). If the infection is in your eye, the blood vessels in the eye expand. This means the tiny veins in your eyes suddenly become much more visible.",[],{},{"nodeType":117,"data":128,"content":129},{},[130],{"nodeType":105,"data":131,"content":132},{},[133],{"nodeType":100,"value":134,"marks":135,"data":136},"A burning sensation – Inflammation can also make your eye feel warmer as more blood is flowing to the eye.",[],{},{"nodeType":117,"data":138,"content":139},{},[140],{"nodeType":105,"data":141,"content":142},{},[143,147,156],{"nodeType":100,"value":144,"marks":145,"data":146},"",[],{},{"nodeType":148,"data":149,"content":151},"hyperlink",{"uri":150},"\u002Feye-health\u002Fwatering-eyes",[152],{"nodeType":100,"value":153,"marks":154,"data":155},"Watery eyes",[],{},{"nodeType":100,"value":157,"marks":158,"data":159}," – If you have conjunctivitis, your eyes may produce more tears than usual, and they'll feel especially watery. If the pink eye is caused by an allergy or another irritant on the surface of the eye, this can help to flush it out.",[],{},{"nodeType":117,"data":161,"content":162},{},[163],{"nodeType":105,"data":164,"content":165},{},[166,170,178],{"nodeType":100,"value":167,"marks":168,"data":169},"Gritty feeling – You might notice you get a gritty sensation in your eye. This may be because the conjunctiva swells a little bit when it becomes inflamed. Learn more about the ",[],{},{"nodeType":148,"data":171,"content":173},{"uri":172},"\u002Feye-health\u002Ffeeling-of-something-in-eye",[174],{"nodeType":100,"value":175,"marks":176,"data":177},"feeling of something in your eye",[],{},{"nodeType":100,"value":179,"marks":180,"data":181},".",[],{},{"nodeType":117,"data":183,"content":184},{},[185],{"nodeType":105,"data":186,"content":187},{},[188,191,199],{"nodeType":100,"value":144,"marks":189,"data":190},[],{},{"nodeType":148,"data":192,"content":194},{"uri":193},"\u002Feye-health\u002Fitchy-eyes",[195],{"nodeType":100,"value":196,"marks":197,"data":198},"Itchy eye",[],{},{"nodeType":100,"value":200,"marks":201,"data":202}," – Your eye might feel especially itchy. This is particularly common if the conjunctivitis is caused by an allergy. Your body releases a substance called histamine, which makes blood vessels expand, and this can cause that itchy feeling.",[],{},{"nodeType":117,"data":204,"content":205},{},[206],{"nodeType":105,"data":207,"content":208},{},[209],{"nodeType":100,"value":210,"marks":211,"data":212},"Sticky or crusty eyelashes – You might get a sticky or crusty substance on your eyelashes, and it can feel like your eyes are stuck together when you wake up. This is particularly common with bacterial conjunctivitis. You might notice a yellow fluid called pus on your eyelashes.",[],{},{"nodeType":105,"data":214,"content":215},{},[216],{"nodeType":100,"value":144,"marks":217,"data":218},[],{},{"entries":220},{"block":221},[],{"__typename":223,"sys":224,"title":226,"body":227,"imageAltText":228,"theme":229,"imageMobileTablet":230,"imageDesktop":232,"buttonsCollection":234},"SplitBanner",{"id":225},"4fT9uhhv8gsCWbft8wryV5","Do these symptoms sound familiar?","If you have experienced any of the symptoms mentioned above it's worth booking an appointment with one of our optometrists.","An optician delivers an eye test to a customer","Aloe Green",{"url":231},"https:\u002F\u002Fimages.ctfassets.net\u002Fzcryw81f0g1x\u002F3YtjE1RIi3ELfhdPGTDHkA\u002Fabb782bb611c9ec4d2ff0f4e0d803198\u002FClinical-Shoot-2003---Eye-Test-1---1536x864.jpg",{"url":233},"https:\u002F\u002Fimages.ctfassets.net\u002Fzcryw81f0g1x\u002F7hJUdeEsd53lRq2Gqrd11i\u002Fc253b9299edbd53d85f6cb528dd842d3\u002FClinical-Shoot-2003---Eye-Test-1---940x1000.jpg",{"items":235},[236],{"linkText":237,"linkUrl":28,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29},"Book an eye test",{"__typename":239,"sys":240,"guideVideo":17,"title":241,"subtitle":242,"guideType":243,"theme":244,"guideItemsCollection":245},"GuideContainer",{"id":61},"Causes of conjunctivitis","Conjunctivitis can have several causes, often linked to irritation.","Stepped","Colour",{"items":246},[247,260,273,286,299,312,325],{"itemBody":248,"image":17,"itemSubtitle":259,"imageAltText":17},{"json":249},{"nodeType":92,"data":250,"content":251},{},[252],{"nodeType":105,"data":253,"content":254},{},[255],{"nodeType":100,"value":256,"marks":257,"data":258},"Most cases of conjunctivitis are caused by viruses, usually the same ones behind colds, like adenoviruses. If that’s the cause, you may get cold-like symptoms too. Other viruses linked to pink eye conjunctivitis include herpes, chicken pox and COVID-19. ",[],{},"Viruses",{"itemBody":261,"image":17,"itemSubtitle":272,"imageAltText":17},{"json":262},{"nodeType":92,"data":263,"content":264},{},[265],{"nodeType":105,"data":266,"content":267},{},[268],{"nodeType":100,"value":269,"marks":270,"data":271},"Some bacteria that normally live on your skin or in your body can grow too much and cause pink eye conjunctivitis. It’s more common in children than adults.  ",[],{},"Bacteria",{"itemBody":274,"image":17,"itemSubtitle":285,"imageAltText":17},{"json":275},{"nodeType":92,"data":276,"content":277},{},[278],{"nodeType":105,"data":279,"content":280},{},[281],{"nodeType":100,"value":282,"marks":283,"data":284},"Pollen, pet hair and dust mites can trigger an allergic reaction that causes pink eye conjunctivitis. This often leads to swelling, itching and redness. ",[],{},"Allergens",{"itemBody":287,"image":17,"itemSubtitle":298,"imageAltText":17},{"json":288},{"nodeType":92,"data":289,"content":290},{},[291],{"nodeType":105,"data":292,"content":293},{},[294],{"nodeType":100,"value":295,"marks":296,"data":297},"Things like shampoo, cleaning products or eye makeup can irritate your eyes and lead to pink eye conjunctivitis. ",[],{},"Chemicals",{"itemBody":300,"image":17,"itemSubtitle":311,"imageAltText":17},{"json":301},{"nodeType":92,"data":302,"content":303},{},[304],{"nodeType":105,"data":305,"content":306},{},[307],{"nodeType":100,"value":308,"marks":309,"data":310},"Fungal conjunctivitis is rare, but it can happen. It’s usually caused by fungi getting into the eye through damage, dirty contact lenses or plant material. ",[],{},"Fungal infections",{"itemBody":313,"image":17,"itemSubtitle":324,"imageAltText":17},{"json":314},{"nodeType":92,"data":315,"content":316},{},[317],{"nodeType":105,"data":318,"content":319},{},[320],{"nodeType":100,"value":321,"marks":322,"data":323},"An autoimmune disorder occurs when your body's immune system mistakenly attacks itself. Some autoimmune disorders, like lupus and Sjögren's syndrome, can cause pink eye conjunctivitis. ",[],{},"Autoimmune disorders",{"itemBody":326,"image":17,"itemSubtitle":337,"imageAltText":17},{"json":327},{"nodeType":92,"data":328,"content":329},{},[330],{"nodeType":105,"data":331,"content":332},{},[333],{"nodeType":100,"value":334,"marks":335,"data":336},"For some newborn babies, a blocked tear duct can also cause pink eye conjunctivitis. It usually resolves on its own, but you should let the midwife, the GP or a health visitor know. ",[],{},"Blocked tear duct",{"__typename":87,"sys":339,"theme":89,"genericTextComponent":340},{"id":66},{"json":341,"links":358},{"data":342,"content":343,"nodeType":92},{},[344,351],{"data":345,"content":346,"nodeType":96},{},[347],{"data":348,"marks":349,"value":350,"nodeType":100},{},[],"How is conjunctivitis diagnosed?",{"data":352,"content":353,"nodeType":105},{},[354],{"data":355,"marks":356,"value":357,"nodeType":100},{},[],"Conjunctivitis often clears up on its own in a week or two, so you don’t usually need to see a doctor. But if your symptoms are bothering you, speak to your optometrist, GP or pharmacist. They’ll ask about your symptoms and check your eyes to see if it’s conjunctivitis or something else. Sometimes they might take a swab to send to a lab. They can also recommend ways to ease your symptoms and help your eyes feel better.",{"entries":359},{"block":360},[],{"__typename":87,"sys":362,"theme":89,"genericTextComponent":363},{"id":71},{"json":364,"links":445},{"data":365,"content":366,"nodeType":92},{},[367,374,381,389,396,439],{"data":368,"content":369,"nodeType":96},{},[370],{"data":371,"marks":372,"value":373,"nodeType":100},{},[],"Treatment of conjunctivitis",{"data":375,"content":376,"nodeType":105},{},[377],{"data":378,"marks":379,"value":380,"nodeType":100},{},[],"At Specsavers, we'll decide how to treat conjunctivitis based on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause. Very often, pink eye conjunctivitis will just clear up by itself within a couple of weeks. Often, no treatment is necessary. But if it's lasting longer or is causing you a lot of discomfort, there are quite a few options available. ",{"data":382,"content":383,"nodeType":388},{},[384],{"data":385,"marks":386,"value":387,"nodeType":100},{},[],"Home remedies for conjunctivitis ","heading-3",{"data":390,"content":391,"nodeType":105},{},[392],{"data":393,"marks":394,"value":395,"nodeType":100},{},[],"Home remedies are often a good first step for treating pink eye conjunctivitis. They can often be very effective.",{"data":397,"content":398,"nodeType":113},{},[399,409,419,429],{"data":400,"content":401,"nodeType":117},{},[402],{"data":403,"content":404,"nodeType":105},{},[405],{"data":406,"marks":407,"value":408,"nodeType":100},{},[],"Don't wear contact lenses – If you wear contact lenses, it’s best not to irritate your eyes any further, so avoid wearing them while you have symptoms and wear your specs instead.",{"data":410,"content":411,"nodeType":117},{},[412],{"data":413,"content":414,"nodeType":105},{},[415],{"data":416,"marks":417,"value":418,"nodeType":100},{},[],"Avoid rubbing your eyes – Conjunctivitis can make your eyes itchy and sore, so it's natural to want to rub them. But this won't resolve the issue and can cause more damage and irritation to your eyes.",{"data":420,"content":421,"nodeType":117},{},[422],{"data":423,"content":424,"nodeType":105},{},[425],{"data":426,"marks":427,"value":428,"nodeType":100},{},[],"Clean your eyelashes – Use warm water and cotton wool to gently clean sticky eyelids and lashes. Avoid soaps or chemicals – warm water is usually enough.",{"data":430,"content":431,"nodeType":117},{},[432],{"data":433,"content":434,"nodeType":105},{},[435],{"data":436,"marks":437,"value":438,"nodeType":100},{},[],"Avoid allergens – If pollen, pet hair or dust mites trigger your conjunctivitis, try to avoid them. Keep pets out of the bedroom and clean regularly to reduce dust mites.",{"data":440,"content":441,"nodeType":105},{},[442],{"data":443,"marks":444,"value":144,"nodeType":100},{},[],{"entries":446},{"block":447},[],{"__typename":223,"sys":449,"title":451,"body":452,"imageAltText":453,"theme":229,"imageMobileTablet":454,"imageDesktop":456,"buttonsCollection":458},{"id":450},"7Gdqyuptk4K4LL4TypKnhp","Antibacterial Dry Eye Compress","Our Antibacterial Compress can relieve symptoms of styes, blepharitis, dry eyes, migraines or headaches and more.","Specsavers Antibacterial Dry Eye Compress",{"url":455},"https:\u002F\u002Fimages.ctfassets.net\u002Fzcryw81f0g1x\u002F2arySc10vq19rfG5kPqOLl\u002F874ed945517f88e8e06715445e5b28dd\u002FDry-Eye-Compress-16-9.jpg",{"url":457},"https:\u002F\u002Fimages.ctfassets.net\u002Fzcryw81f0g1x\u002F2z3hkZS547gYkETnKOvOlV\u002F6bbaaa13cb5a98458a877abbd6412bc5\u002FDry-Eye-Compress-1-1.jpg",{"items":459},[460],{"linkText":461,"linkUrl":462,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29},"Find out more","\u002Fglasses\u002Fbuyers-guide\u002Faccessories",{"__typename":87,"sys":464,"theme":89,"genericTextComponent":466},{"id":465},"2eASitDfApal2AvDxHeLDd",{"json":467,"links":589},{"data":468,"content":469,"nodeType":92},{},[470,477,484,527,534,541,574,583],{"data":471,"content":472,"nodeType":388},{},[473],{"data":474,"marks":475,"value":476,"nodeType":100},{},[],"Over-the-counter relief ",{"data":478,"content":479,"nodeType":105},{},[480],{"data":481,"marks":482,"value":483,"nodeType":100},{},[],"There are a few kinds of products that can help relieve conjunctivitis symptoms. You can find these at Specsavers stores or at many local pharmacies:",{"data":485,"content":486,"nodeType":113},{},[487,497,507,517],{"data":488,"content":489,"nodeType":117},{},[490],{"data":491,"content":492,"nodeType":105},{},[493],{"data":494,"marks":495,"value":496,"nodeType":100},{},[],"Antihistamines – Taken as pills or eye drops, they block histamine and help with allergy-related pink eye conjunctivitis.",{"data":498,"content":499,"nodeType":117},{},[500],{"data":501,"content":502,"nodeType":105},{},[503],{"data":504,"marks":505,"value":506,"nodeType":100},{},[],"Artificial tears – Over-the-counter artificial tears can relieve the symptoms of inflammation (such as heat or soreness).",{"data":508,"content":509,"nodeType":117},{},[510],{"data":511,"content":512,"nodeType":105},{},[513],{"data":514,"marks":515,"value":516,"nodeType":100},{},[],"Eye compresses – Eye masks can be used both hot and cold. You place them over your eyelids, and this can relieve symptoms of itchiness, soreness and inflammation. We offer a range of antibacterial eye compresses and heat masks at Specsavers stores.",{"data":518,"content":519,"nodeType":117},{},[520],{"data":521,"content":522,"nodeType":105},{},[523],{"data":524,"marks":525,"value":526,"nodeType":100},{},[],"Eyelid wipes – Available as wipes or solutions that you apply with a cotton pad, eyelid wipes can help to gently remove built-up pus and crust on your eyelids. We provide a range of wipes and solutions at our stores. ",{"data":528,"content":529,"nodeType":388},{},[530],{"data":531,"marks":532,"value":533,"nodeType":100},{},[],"More medical treatments ",{"data":535,"content":536,"nodeType":105},{},[537],{"data":538,"marks":539,"value":540,"nodeType":100},{},[],"If your conjunctivitis doesn't clear up within a couple of weeks, speak to your optometrist or GP. They may advise using more advanced treatments:",{"data":542,"content":543,"nodeType":113},{},[544,554,564],{"data":545,"content":546,"nodeType":117},{},[547],{"data":548,"content":549,"nodeType":105},{},[550],{"data":551,"marks":552,"value":553,"nodeType":100},{},[],"Antibiotics – If bacteria are behind your pink eye conjunctivitis, antibiotics (as pills or eye drops) can help. Always finish the full course, even if you start to feel better.",{"data":555,"content":556,"nodeType":117},{},[557],{"data":558,"content":559,"nodeType":105},{},[560],{"data":561,"marks":562,"value":563,"nodeType":100},{},[],"Antivirals – Most viral pink eye conjunctivitis clears up on its own. But if it’s caused by herpes, chickenpox, shingles or an STI, your GP or a specialist independent prescriber optometrist may prescribe antiviral treatment.",{"data":565,"content":566,"nodeType":117},{},[567],{"data":568,"content":569,"nodeType":105},{},[570],{"data":571,"marks":572,"value":573,"nodeType":100},{},[],"Immunosuppressants – If your conjunctivitis is caused by an autoimmune disorder (this is quite rare), then your doctor may prescribe you with immunosuppressants. These stop your body's immune system from attacking itself.",{"data":575,"content":581,"nodeType":582},{"target":576},{"sys":577},{"id":578,"type":579,"linkType":580},"7LVlKnw0P7kN3T1LzG9EEh","Link","Entry",[],"embedded-entry-block",{"data":584,"content":585,"nodeType":105},{},[586],{"data":587,"marks":588,"value":144,"nodeType":100},{},[],{"entries":590},{"block":591},[592],{"__typename":579,"sys":593,"linkText":237,"linkUrl":28,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29},{"id":578},{"__typename":223,"sys":595,"title":597,"body":598,"imageAltText":597,"theme":229,"imageMobileTablet":599,"imageDesktop":601,"buttonsCollection":603},{"id":596},"4Pz0bKnZHocSFIFB32ThdI","Blephasol Duo eye drops","Eyelid wipes and solutions prevent and relieve symptoms of eye conditions like blepharitis and conjunctivitis.",{"url":600},"https:\u002F\u002Fimages.ctfassets.net\u002Fzcryw81f0g1x\u002F2wRLTRyrWJg9FnOA45DDsM\u002Fbd542549481181355bf23587707aa18d\u002FBlephasol-Duo-eye-drops-16-9.jpg",{"url":602},"https:\u002F\u002Fimages.ctfassets.net\u002Fzcryw81f0g1x\u002F3c8rG3kpyBzYqLQsyqyWrS\u002F018244418d01796acf6387e4fa294dc6\u002FBlephasol-Duo-eye-drops-1-1.jpg",{"items":604},[605],{"linkText":461,"linkUrl":462,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29},{"__typename":87,"sys":607,"theme":89,"genericTextComponent":608},{"id":76},{"json":609,"links":696},{"nodeType":92,"data":610,"content":611},{},[612,619,626,669,676,683,690],{"nodeType":96,"data":613,"content":614},{},[615],{"nodeType":100,"value":616,"marks":617,"data":618},"Can I prevent conjunctivitis?",[],{},{"nodeType":105,"data":620,"content":621},{},[622],{"nodeType":100,"value":623,"marks":624,"data":625},"You can reduce your chances of getting conjunctivitis by using the following steps. If you already have viral or bacterial conjunctivitis, you should also bear these ideas in mind so you can reduce the chances of spreading it to others.",[],{},{"nodeType":113,"data":627,"content":628},{},[629,639,649,659],{"nodeType":117,"data":630,"content":631},{},[632],{"nodeType":105,"data":633,"content":634},{},[635],{"nodeType":100,"value":636,"marks":637,"data":638},"Consider time off – Viral conjunctivitis spreads easily, so a few days off work or school might help stop it from passing on, especially in young children.",[],{},{"nodeType":117,"data":640,"content":641},{},[642],{"nodeType":105,"data":643,"content":644},{},[645],{"nodeType":100,"value":646,"marks":647,"data":648},"Good hygiene – Wash your hands often and avoid sharing towels or close contact. This helps stop pink eye spreading, especially during an outbreak.",[],{},{"nodeType":117,"data":650,"content":651},{},[652],{"nodeType":105,"data":653,"content":654},{},[655],{"nodeType":100,"value":656,"marks":657,"data":658},"Allergy management – Antihistamines help, but it’s best to avoid triggers. Keep pets out of the bedroom, clean often, and during pollen season, close windows and stay in on high pollen days.",[],{},{"nodeType":117,"data":660,"content":661},{},[662],{"nodeType":105,"data":663,"content":664},{},[665],{"nodeType":100,"value":666,"marks":667,"data":668},"Avoid eye irritants – Bin old eye makeup, wear eye protection with chemicals, and use mild products in the shower – rinsing suds away quickly.",[],{},{"nodeType":388,"data":670,"content":671},{},[672],{"nodeType":100,"value":673,"marks":674,"data":675},"Stopping the spread of pink eye conjunctivitis among children ",[],{},{"nodeType":105,"data":677,"content":678},{},[679],{"nodeType":100,"value":680,"marks":681,"data":682},"If a child has conjunctivitis, they don't always need to take time off school. Often, its spread can be prevented with simple hygiene: regular handwashing, not sharing towels and regular cleaning of shared items (like toys or pens). That said, younger children may not understand why they can't share items or take part in physical play. If so, it may be best to keep them out of school until they're better.",[],{},{"nodeType":105,"data":684,"content":685},{},[686],{"nodeType":100,"value":687,"marks":688,"data":689},"\n",[],{},{"nodeType":105,"data":691,"content":692},{},[693],{"nodeType":100,"value":144,"marks":694,"data":695},[],{},{"entries":697},{"block":698},[],{"__typename":700,"sys":701,"title":703,"theme":704,"expandFirstRow":29,"accordionEntriesCollection":705},"Accordion",{"id":702},"47e3dMk4awZ3GVmDDKkgMv","FAQs","Grey",{"items":706},[707,723,738,753,775,790,805,827],{"__typename":708,"sys":709,"panel":711,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":722},"Faq",{"id":710},"34oGKiqzrJcCE5NyOjjgku",{"json":712},{"data":713,"content":714,"nodeType":92},{},[715],{"data":716,"content":717,"nodeType":105},{},[718],{"data":719,"marks":720,"value":721,"nodeType":100},{},[],"Pink eye Conjunctivitis will usually clear up in 1‑2 weeks without the need for treatment. In some cases, viral conjunctivitis can take longer to clear up. ","How long does conjunctivitis last?",{"__typename":708,"sys":724,"panel":726,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":737},{"id":725},"6WZBziYPuADMryUByYxv5Q",{"json":727},{"data":728,"content":729,"nodeType":92},{},[730],{"data":731,"content":732,"nodeType":105},{},[733],{"data":734,"marks":735,"value":736,"nodeType":100},{},[],"The viral and bacterial types of conjunctivitis are contagious and they spread through coughs, sneezes and contact with things like pillowcases, towels and tissues. So it’s important to keep your mouth covered when sneezing or coughing, regularly washing your hands and avoid sharing pillows and towels while you have it to avoid passing it on to someone else.  ","Is conjunctivitis contagious?",{"__typename":708,"sys":739,"panel":741,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":752},{"id":740},"2iNyJmtVe6v4X2ev8K5gXO",{"json":742},{"data":743,"content":744,"nodeType":92},{},[745],{"data":746,"content":747,"nodeType":105},{},[748],{"data":749,"marks":750,"value":751,"nodeType":100},{},[],"Conjunctivitis usually stays contagious for as long as you have symptoms, especially if you have any kind of eye discharge.","How long is conjunctivitis contagious?",{"__typename":708,"sys":754,"panel":756,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":774},{"id":755},"7Ffo4o393E01jSrNzWFYbN",{"json":757},{"data":758,"content":759,"nodeType":92},{},[760,767],{"data":761,"content":762,"nodeType":105},{},[763],{"data":764,"marks":765,"value":766,"nodeType":100},{},[],"No, we would generally advise against going swimming if you have conjunctivitis. Bacterial and viral types of conjunctivitis are extremely contagious, and it's still possible to spread the infection to others using the swimming pool, even if the water is chlorinated or you are wearing goggles. Pink eye can spread during activities in the water, as well as through shared objects such as towels, sunscreen and goggles. ",{"data":768,"content":769,"nodeType":105},{},[770],{"data":771,"marks":772,"value":773,"nodeType":100},{},[],"Swimming in certain conditions may also worsen your conjunctivitis. For instance, chlorine is a chemical irritant that can increase the discomfort caused by conjunctivitis. It also washes away the tear film that protects your eyes and keeps them moist and protected from further infection. ","Can I go swimming with conjunctivitis?",{"__typename":708,"sys":776,"panel":778,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":789},{"id":777},"130wuUMosVzL6Mz2noXs8s",{"json":779},{"nodeType":92,"data":780,"content":781},{},[782],{"nodeType":105,"data":783,"content":784},{},[785],{"nodeType":100,"value":786,"marks":787,"data":788},"Most of the time, your body will get rid of conjunctivitis on its own. Your immune system can normally fight off most kinds of bacterial and viral conjunctivitis very effectively. You can help your body to get rid of conjunctivitis by avoiding anything that might irritate your eye and getting plenty of rest. If it's not getting any better after a few days, book an appointment with your doctor. They will know how to get rid of conjunctivitis using medicine. ",[],{},"How do you get rid of conjunctivitis?",{"__typename":708,"sys":791,"panel":793,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":804},{"id":792},"2l7FT5rnk0rd7Zw4wGoWY0",{"json":794},{"nodeType":92,"data":795,"content":796},{},[797],{"nodeType":105,"data":798,"content":799},{},[800],{"nodeType":100,"value":801,"marks":802,"data":803},"It really depends on the type of conjunctivitis you have, your symptoms, and the sort of work you do. Viral conjunctivitis is usually the most contagious, and you may be coughing and sneezing often. In some workplaces, this means you could easily spread it to other people, so it might be best to stay at home till you're better. On the other hand, allergic conjunctivitis cannot be spread to others, so it needn't stop you from going to work. ",[],{},"Should you go to work if you have conjunctivitis?",{"__typename":708,"sys":806,"panel":808,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":826},{"id":807},"1poeVHns8QzP8kEeU6xjQo",{"json":809},{"nodeType":92,"data":810,"content":811},{},[812,819],{"nodeType":105,"data":813,"content":814},{},[815],{"nodeType":100,"value":816,"marks":817,"data":818},"Conjunctivitis is the medical term for inflammation of the conjunctiva (a transparent membrane over your eyes). Pink eye is a non-medical term that people often use to describe conjunctivitis (since one of the main visible symptoms is swelling off the veins in your eyes, meaning they look pink).  ",[],{},{"nodeType":105,"data":820,"content":821},{},[822],{"nodeType":100,"value":823,"marks":824,"data":825},"They can both be used, and optometrists at Specsavers will know what you mean if you use the term 'pink eye'. The only issue with 'pink eye' is that people might use it to describe other conditions that aren't actually conjunctivitis, and this can cause confusion.  ",[],{},"What's the difference between pink eye and conjunctivitis?",{"__typename":708,"sys":828,"panel":830,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":841},{"id":829},"jSWnrvIEAN6lAfJCwnObv",{"json":831},{"nodeType":92,"data":832,"content":833},{},[834],{"nodeType":105,"data":835,"content":836},{},[837],{"nodeType":100,"value":838,"marks":839,"data":840},"Yes, most kinds of conjunctivitis go away by themselves within 1-2 weeks. If your symptoms haven't disappeared after two weeks, contact your GP or visit your optometrist. ",[],{},"Does conjunctivitis go away by itself?",{"__typename":843,"sys":844,"title":846,"backgroundTheme":847,"authorEntriesCollection":848},"AuthorContainer",{"id":845},"1K9CpO9GoJ51VfEHMg7YPV","Written by our experts for peace of mind","Green",{"items":849},[850],{"authorBiography":851,"authorName":862,"authorQualification":863,"authorPhoto":864},{"json":852},{"nodeType":92,"data":853,"content":854},{},[855],{"nodeType":105,"data":856,"content":857},{},[858],{"nodeType":100,"value":859,"marks":860,"data":861},"Ross is an experienced optometrist having graduated in 2007 from Bradford University. He is also ophthalmic director of Specsavers Swaledale with Northallerton & Thirsk, a pre-registration supervisor, professional advancement consultant, and a WOPEC Lead Assessor. He has previously worked as Director of Optometry Advancement for Specsavers and as a columnist for Optician & ProFile magazine.",[],{},"Ross Campbell","BSc Hons MCOptom Prof Cert Glauc Prof Cert Med Ret",{"url":865},"https:\u002F\u002Fimages.ctfassets.net\u002Fzcryw81f0g1x\u002F5mrcuMDlru21b9LMMuIQn7\u002F34dcf1c5e9fe3ed41c4ea4077537d61f\u002FRoss_Campbell_Northallerton.jpg",{"__typename":867,"sys":868,"title":870,"body":871,"backgroundTheme":704,"actionCardEntriesCollection":872},"ActionCardBanner",{"id":869},"5ZpiiA1qDf3mdFBYCzdLOY","Related conditions","Not sure if this is what you’re experiencing? Explore some related conditions:",{"items":873},[874,878,882],{"image":17,"title":875,"body":876,"imageAltText":17,"linkText":461,"linkUrl":877,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29},"Iritis","Iritis, or anterior uveitis, is an inflammation of the iris – the coloured part of your eye that controls the size of your pupil.","\u002Feye-health\u002Firitis",{"image":17,"title":879,"body":880,"imageAltText":17,"linkText":461,"linkUrl":881,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29},"Blepharitis","This is a common condition, accounting for about 1 in 20 eye problems. It’s not serious, but it can lead to other conditions like dry eye syndrome.","\u002Feye-health\u002Fblepharitis",{"image":17,"title":883,"body":884,"imageAltText":17,"linkText":461,"linkUrl":885,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29},"Bloodshot Eyes","A red, bloodshot eye normally occurs when the blood vessels on the surface of the eye (the conjunctiva) expand.","\u002Feye-health\u002Fred-bloodshot-eye",{"__typename":867,"sys":887,"title":889,"body":17,"backgroundTheme":890,"actionCardEntriesCollection":891},{"id":888},"keqiwluN3uCiUw39HKjMx","Find out more about eye care services","White",{"items":892},[893,900,905],{"title":894,"body":895,"imageAltText":896,"linkText":897,"linkUrl":43,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29,"image":898},"All eye conditions","Read more information about all eye conditions.","Women using a slit lamp","View all eye conditions",{"url":899},"https:\u002F\u002Fimages.ctfassets.net\u002Fzcryw81f0g1x\u002F4cwFJgHB9BHy1B690ebBQ0\u002Fc02de50880709bc238812946c93ccfea\u002FDAY_2_SLIT_LAMP_TEST_117-150DPI.jpg",{"title":237,"body":901,"imageAltText":902,"linkText":237,"linkUrl":28,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29,"image":903},"Book an appointment at your local Specsavers store.","Man having an OCT scan",{"url":904},"https:\u002F\u002Fimages.ctfassets.net\u002Fzcryw81f0g1x\u002F5T3QokGERAThYXwgmSXxFq\u002F2456853b7550d03764f544496176b83e\u002Fmodule_hero__16x9_oct_sight_test_no-derivative.jpg",{"title":906,"body":907,"imageAltText":908,"linkText":461,"linkUrl":909,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29,"image":910},"All about eye tests","Everything you need to know about getting your eyes tested.","Women using a phoropter","\u002Feye-test",{"url":911},"https:\u002F\u002Fimages.ctfassets.net\u002Fzcryw81f0g1x\u002F5zSdFZFmwKx4bFKCWIm9A9\u002F142dfde2099cab8de29510ab68f4b17b\u002FDAY_1_SNELLEN_11-72DPI.jpg",{"__typename":913,"sys":914,"title":916,"theme":890,"listType":917,"expandAccordion":29,"accordionEntriesCollection":918},"SingleRowAccordion",{"id":915},"4GhwxkR8xAu7gwE7pRYzCu","References","Numbered",{"items":919},[920,928,934,941,948,954,959],{"__typename":921,"sys":922,"citationAuthor":924,"citationYear":925,"citationDescription":926,"citationUrl":927,"citationAccessedUpdatedDate":17},"Citation",{"id":923},"3Qt1SF85LD04htUkkZBOS2","Cleveland Clinic",2024,"Pink eye.","https:\u002F\u002Fmy.clevelandclinic.org\u002Fhealth\u002Fdiseases\u002Fpink-eye-conjunctivitis",{"__typename":921,"sys":929,"citationAuthor":931,"citationYear":932,"citationDescription":926,"citationUrl":933,"citationAccessedUpdatedDate":17},{"id":930},"5a1kMmaE4MElDKtLsTaqjK","Mayo Clinic",2025,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.mayoclinic.org\u002Fdiseases-conditions\u002Fpink-eye\u002Fsymptoms-causes\u002Fsyc-20376355",{"__typename":921,"sys":935,"citationAuthor":937,"citationYear":938,"citationDescription":939,"citationUrl":940,"citationAccessedUpdatedDate":17},{"id":936},"2CDRG1lT5B1PO9pVCSgO72","Medical News Today",2023,"How long is pink eye contagious?","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.medicalnewstoday.com\u002Farticles\u002F321551",{"__typename":921,"sys":942,"citationAuthor":944,"citationYear":945,"citationDescription":946,"citationUrl":947,"citationAccessedUpdatedDate":17},{"id":943},"6QQL5LDPExq8OQca6IiBwX","Ministry of Defence",2010,"Eye Infections.","https:\u002F\u002Fassets.publishing.service.gov.uk\u002Fmedia\u002F5a7db43140f0b65d8b4e2fd4\u002Feye_infections_20.pdf",{"__typename":921,"sys":949,"citationAuthor":951,"citationYear":932,"citationDescription":952,"citationUrl":953,"citationAccessedUpdatedDate":17},{"id":950},"2Sa2cIPG8SrtZxi2hCcOTw","Moorfields Eye Hospital","Conjunctivitis.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.moorfields.nhs.uk\u002Feye-conditions\u002Fconjunctivitis",{"__typename":921,"sys":955,"citationAuthor":957,"citationYear":932,"citationDescription":952,"citationUrl":958,"citationAccessedUpdatedDate":17},{"id":956},"4Fl2KHiVwRYnK0iLTIw2hd","NHS","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nhs.uk\u002Fconditions\u002Fconjunctivitis\u002F",{"__typename":921,"sys":960,"citationAuthor":962,"citationYear":938,"citationDescription":963,"citationUrl":964,"citationAccessedUpdatedDate":17},{"id":961},"3OSFC9tNkCcB5cVW6MOlYx","Solando, D., et al.","Viral conjunctivitis.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\u002Fbooks\u002FNBK470271\u002F",[17,17],1790672706342]