👀 Patient Guide — Eye Condition ஀யறியின் கல்வி — கண் சிவப்பு

Conjunctivitis — Pink Eye

கண் சிவப்பு — கோந்ஜர் கண்

Bacterial, viral, and allergic conjunctivitis — causes, differences, treatment, and when to seek urgent care.

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Patient Guide

Conjunctivitis — Red Eye

Bacterial · Viral · Allergic · When to seek urgent care
Types of Conjunctivitis — and How to Tell Them Apart கண் சிவப்பின் வகைகள் மற்றும் வேறுபாடு
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Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva — the thin transparent tissue covering the white of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. Red eye is the cardinal sign, but the cause matters enormously for correct treatment.

🦠 Bacterial
Common Bacteria: Staphylococcus, Streptococcus

Key features: Thick yellow-green sticky discharge, crusting in the morning making lids stick together. Usually starts in one eye, may spread to both. Moderate redness. Generally no significant pain.

😷 Viral
Adenovirus (most common), HSV, EKC

Key features: Watery discharge, significant redness, foreign body sensation. Often associated with cold, sore throat, or lymph node swelling. Highly contagious. Both eyes usually involved. Antibiotic drops have no benefit for viral conjunctivitis.

🌹 Allergic
Dust, pollen, pets, contact lens solutions

Key features: Intense itching (the hallmark), watery discharge, both eyes, seasonal or perennial pattern. No fever, no lymph node enlargement. Not contagious. Associated with other allergies (rhinitis, asthma).

Treatment — What Works for Each Type சிகிச்சை — ஒவ்வொரு வகைக்கும் என்ன சரியானது?
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TypeFirst-Line TreatmentDurationNotes
BacterialAntibiotic eye drops (Tobramycin / Moxifloxacin)5–7 daysStarts to improve within 24–48 hrs. Complete the course.
ViralLubricant drops, cold compresses, hygiene1–3 weeksNo effective antiviral for adenovirus. Antibiotic drops prevent secondary infection only.
AllergicAntihistamine drops (Olopatadine), mast cell stabilisers, avoid triggersAs neededLubricant drops help dilute allergens. Avoid rubbing — worsens mast cell release.
HSV (Herpes)Antiviral drops (Acyclovir), oral antiviral if indicated7–10 daysMust be diagnosed and treated by specialist — can cause corneal scarring if missed.

Do not self-prescribe steroid drops for red eye. Steroid eye drops can dramatically worsen herpes simplex conjunctivitis, cause fungal infections, raise intraocular pressure, and accelerate cataract. Only use steroid drops when prescribed by your ophthalmologist.

Hygiene, Prevention & Stopping Spread சுகாதாரம், தடுப்பு மற்றும் பரவல் தடுக்க
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✓ Do

  • Wash hands thoroughly before and after touching the eye
  • Use a clean tissue or cotton to wipe discharge (single use, then discard)
  • Use separate towels and pillowcases from family members
  • Cold compresses for viral conjunctivitis — 3 times a day for comfort
  • Complete the full antibiotic course even if the eye looks better
  • Avoid contact lenses until the infection fully clears
  • Discard any contact lens solution or eye drops used during the infection

✗ Avoid

  • Rubbing the eye — spreads the infection and can worsen corneal involvement
  • Sharing eye drops, towels, pillows, or makeup
  • Swimming pools while infected (highly contagious in pool water)
  • School or office attendance with active viral conjunctivitis in the first 5–7 days
  • Using expired or previously opened eye drops
  • Steroid drops without a prescription
When to Seek Urgent Ophthalmology Review எப்போது உடனே கண் மருத்துவர் வாசல் தேட வேண்டும்?
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Most conjunctivitis resolves on its own or with simple drops. However, certain features demand urgent specialist review as they may indicate more serious conditions.

See a doctor urgently (same day or next day) if you have red eye with any of the following:

  • Significant pain — simple conjunctivitis is uncomfortable but not significantly painful; pain suggests corneal involvement (ulcer, keratitis) or acute glaucoma
  • Blurred or reduced vision — vision should not be affected by simple conjunctivitis
  • Photophobia (severe sensitivity to light) — suggests uveitis or keratitis
  • Coloured halos around lights — sign of raised IOP (acute angle-closure glaucoma)
  • Profuse pus-like discharge in a newborn — neonatal conjunctivitis is an emergency (Gonococcal)
  • Contact lens wearer with red eye — risk of Acanthamoeba or bacterial corneal ulcer
  • Not improving after 5–7 days of appropriate treatment
  • Corneal opacity or white spot visible on the eye

Need a Consultation?

Book an appointment with Dr. Laavanyaa at SRM Prime Hospital or P&G Multispeciality Hospital, Chennai.

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