About us Branches & Opening times Eye care Spectacles Lenses Contact lenses Sports Eyewear Common eye problems Optical Illusion Corporate Schemes Contact us Home           Age-Related Macula Degeneration Blepharitis Chalazion Conjunctivitis Dry Eye Flashes And Floaters Glaucoma Nutrition And The Eye Understanding Cataracts Sub-conjunctival Haemorrhage Conjunctivitis Conjunctivitis is an infection of the conjunctiva (the ‘skin’ which covers the white of the eye and lines of the eyelids). There are several causes, but the main two most common are bacteria and viral.   Signs and Symptoms Sore gritty red eyes discharge, which may be very sticky (depending on the cause), making the eyes sticky in the mornings. Treatment Bacterial conjunctivitis is easily treated with antibiotic drops or ointment. There is no treatment for viral conjunctivitis. It will gradually clear up on its own, but the doctor may prescribe antibiotic drops or ointment to prevent a secondary bacterial infection occurring if necessary. Conjunctivitis is infectious, so its important that you follow these rules: Keep your face flannel separate from those of the rest of your family. Wash your hands thoroughly after touching your eyes. Use tissues, should you need to wipe your eyes, and dispose of them immediately afterwards. Under no circumstances allow anyone else to use your eye drops or ointment. Throw them away when your treatment is finished. Never keep used bottles.