Common signs
- Red or pink eyes
- Watering, or a sticky discharge that glues the lids in the morning
- Itching, burning or a gritty feeling
How we treat it
Most eye flu is caused by a virus and clears on its own in one to three weeks. Bacteria and allergy cause it too, and are treated differently. We find the cause and rule out more serious reasons for a red eye.
Do not use old or borrowed drops, especially steroid drops, without advice. Wash your hands often and do not share towels.
What to expect
Tell us your symptoms
One eye or both, others at home affected, and contact lens use.
Eye examination
We check your vision and the front of the eye.
Treatment
Advice on drops, cold compresses and hygiene, and when to come back.
Common questions
Is eye flu contagious?
Viral and bacterial eye flu spread through hands and towels. Allergic conjunctivitis does not.
Can I catch eye flu by looking at someone’s eyes?
No. It spreads by touch, not by looking.
Should I buy antibiotic drops from the chemist?
Ask us first. Most eye flu is viral, so antibiotics do not help. Unchecked steroid drops can harm the eye.
When is a red eye urgent?
Get urgent care for severe pain, blurred vision, strong light sensitivity, an injury or chemical splash, a red eye in a contact lens wearer, or a newborn with red, sticky eyes.
Can I wear contact lenses with eye flu?
No. Stop until your eye is better, then use new lenses and a new case.
More reading: National Eye Institute: pink eye (conjunctivitis)
Sudden loss of vision, a curtain over your sight, severe pain or an eye injury: get urgent eye care.