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Bacterial conjunctivitis usually only affects one eye. Conjunctivitis caused by a virus often affects both eyes, but will start in one eye.

If you have conjunctivitis, your eyes may:¹

• Water
• Look red
• Feel gritty or irritated
• Feel as if they are burning or stinging
• Feel sore.

If your eyes itch, or you have more than one attack of conjunctivitis, these are signs that your symptoms aren't caused by an infection with bacteria. You could have an allergy or an infection caused by a virus. If you get conjunctivitis every year at the same time, it's probably caused by an allergy.

If you also have white or yellow pus coming from your eyes that causes crusts on your eyelids while you sleep, you probably have a bacterial infection.^{2 3 4}

Some of the symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis can be similar to the symptoms of more serious eye problems. You should see a doctor right away if:⁵

• You have pain inside your eye
• There is any sudden change in your vision
• Light makes your eyes hurt.

If you wear contact lenses and you get the symptoms of conjunctivitis:⁵

• Stop wearing your contact lenses
• See your doctor.

Conjunctivitis needs to be treated quickly if you wear contact lenses. This is because it can cause a more serious eye infection called keratitis. If you wear contact lenses, it's important to look after them and clean them properly. This reduces your chance of getting an infection.

If you get conjunctivitis and you wear disposable contact lenses, you should throw away the set of lenses and the lens case you were using. If you keep them you might get the same infection again. If you wear permanent lenses, ask your optician about what to do with them.

You should see a doctor right away if your baby has the symptoms of conjunctivitis. This is because some bacteria that cause conjunctivitis can cause other serious infections in babies.

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.