Conjunctivitis Redness and inflammation of the thin layer of tissue that covers the front of the eye (the conjunctiva) often also irritation and watering of the eyes, sometimes discharge Causes Infection by viruses or bacteria Allergy e.g. pollen or dust mites Irritants e.g. shampoo, chlorine Treatment Eye hygiene Bacterial conjunctivitis – may benefit from antibiotic Most get better without treatment, within 1–2 weeks Usually use of antibiotic makes little difference to recovery Up to 10% of people treated complain of adverse reactions to treatment The risk of a serious complication from untreated infective conjunctivitis is low Irritant conjunctivitis – remove the irritant Allergic conjunctivitis – antihistamine and remove the allergen Avoid contact lenses until better, washing hands regularly Work and school Public Health England (PHE) advises that you don't need to stay away from work or school if you or your child has conjunctivitis

Dry Eyes Where your eyes don't produce enough tears or your tears evaporate too quickly Causes Hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause, contraceptive pill) Ageing Environment (sun, wind, smoke) Activities (reading, writing, working with a computer) Medications (antihistamines, antidepressants, beta-blockers, diuretics) Laser eye surgery Contact lenses Medical conditions (allergic conjunctivitis, eczema, Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, Bell's palsy) What can help Wrap-around glasses/eye protection Avoiding irritants e.g. eye make-up Adjust your computer, limit continuous use Humidifier or air filter Eye hygiene See your optician for advice on over the counter products that may help

Blepharitis The edges of the eyelids become red and swollen, feel itchy, sore and can stick together, often a burning or gritty sensation in your eyes Usually both eyes, and symptoms tend to be worse in the morning See your high-street optician if you have persistent symptoms that aren't being controlled by simple measures Causes include a reaction to bacteria or fungi on the skin, a skin problem such as rosacea or eczema It isn't contagious Usually long-term, may come and go More severe cases may occasionally require antibiotics

Eye Hygiene To be done once or twice a day, ongoing use a warm compress – to make the oil from glands around your eyes more runny gently massage your eyelids – to push the oils out of the glands clean your eyelids – to wipe away excess oil, unblock glands, remove bugs. Using a solution of 1 pint cooled boiled water to 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

The red eye, when to worry See your GP immediately if Eye pain Sensitivity to light Disturbed vision Intense redness in one eye or both eyes A newborn baby with conjunctivitis  Suspect a foreign body Glaucoma or iritis history Chemical injury Trauma Contact lens wearers