Starting with self-care

A central principle in conjunctivitis management is recognising that most cases resolve without antibiotic treatment. Symptoms commonly improve within five to seven days – even in bacterial infection. Pharmacists therefore play a key role in patient reassurance, education and expectation management.

Self-care advice includes:

• Good hand hygiene
• Gentle cleaning of the eyelids (see the box below)
• Avoiding eye rubbing
• Temporary discontinuation of contact lenses
• Avoiding sharing towels or face cloths.

Artificial tears can help to relieve irritation and dilute inflammatory mediators, while cold compresses may also provide some comfort.

In allergic conjunctivitis, topical antihistamines or mast cell stabilisers are first-line treatments, with oral antihistamines considered when appropriate.