What is conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the thin, clear tissue that lines the eyelids and eyeball ¡ª the conjunctiva. It is very common and may be very contagious. Pinkeye, or acute contagious conjunctivitis, is an example of one of the most infectious types and secretions must be handled with extreme care to prevent its spread.

What causes conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis is caused by a viral or bacterial infection, hayfever, allergies, or, in babies, a tear duct that doesn't completely open or an infection from bacteria in the birth canal. This can be serious and cause sight problems if it isn't treated.

What are the symptoms of conjunctivitis?
You will have red, sore, gritty, watery, itchy eyes. There may be yellow or green discharge (pus) which makes your lids sticky.

Treating conjunctivitis

• Wash your eyes. Before touching them, wash your hands with soap and warm water. Dry them with a clean (or disposable) towel. Clean away any pus, crust or discharge with a disposable cotton swab and a weak salt water solution (1 teaspoon of salt in 500 mL of cooled, boiled water).
• Wipe your eye once, from the end nearest your nose to the outside, then throw the swab away. Continue until your eye is clean. Wash and dry your hands again. NB: Cotton wool balls are not ideal because they can unravel, leaving cotton in your eye. Surgical swabs from your chemist, disposable eye make-up removal pads or tampons that have been opened and cut into thirds with clean scissors are best.
• Use eye drops or ointments from your doctor. Gently pull down the lower eyelid to make a pocket. Tilt your head back to look at the ceiling. Drop the right amount of liquid into the outer third of the pocket, or run ointment along the inside. Wash your hands.
• Don't use make-up until the swelling and redness go.

Preventing the spread of conjunctivitis

• Try not to touch your eye: you can spread infection to your other eye or to someone else. If you do touch it, wash your hands well.
• Use your own flannel, towels, pillows and bed linen.
• Don't send children or babies with conjunctivitis to preschool if the eye is weeping. To prevent reinfection, wash their hands often.

How can my doctor help?
For bacterial infection you may be given antibiotic ointment or drops. Eye drops may soothe viral infections and prevent further infection. You may need anti-allergy medicine or drops.