Eye infections have been making headlines recently following a celebrity’s revelation about long-term visual impairment caused by an eye infection. It’s a stark reminder of how crucial eye health is and how confusing it can be to know when an issue is serious. While many eye infections are mild and get better on their own, some require urgent medical attention. So, how can you tell the difference, and what should you do?
A red eye is usually nothing to worry about and often gets better on its own. But sometimes it can be serious and you’ll need to get medical help. The most common culprit is conjunctivitis, often called pink eye. This condition is typically caused by a bacterial or viral infection and is characterised by a red eye with discharge. Although the eye may feel gritty or irritated, it should never be painful. Most cases of conjunctivitis resolve on their own within about seven days. However, if there’s no improvement, it’s time to contact your optometrist for advice.
More serious infections, such as keratitis or uveitis, present differently. These conditions often cause pain and a noticeable reduction in vision, requiring urgent evaluation and treatment. Any red or painful eye should be treated with extra caution for contact lens wearers. If you notice these symptoms, stop wearing your lenses immediately and seek professional advice.
As a general rule of thumb, you should contact your optometrist if you experience any of the following:
Many people are surprised to learn that optometrists, not GPs or A&E, are the first point of contact for eye health issues. Optometrists are highly trained professionals who can diagnose and manage a wide range of eye problems. In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, NHS-funded urgent eye health assessments are readily available, and optometrists can prescribe medication if needed. In England, about 70% of NHS areas have similar schemes in place.
1. Monitor your symptoms: If your eye does not hurt and your sight is not affected, it’s probably nothing serious. It may get better on its own in a few days. Conjunctivitis should resolve independently after about seven days, if it does not contact your optometrist.
2. Don’t ignore pain or vision changes: Pain or blurry vision are red flags that shouldn’t be overlooked. These symptoms may indicate a more serious infection or condition.
3. Contact lens wearers: Stop wearing lenses at the first sign of redness or discomfort. Poor lens hygiene is a common cause of keratitis, which can lead to vision loss if untreated.
4. Seek prompt advice: If in doubt, call your optometrist. They can assess your symptoms and determine if you need an urgent appointment.
Eye health is precious, and early intervention can make all the difference. Whether your symptoms are mild or worrying, your optometrist is there to help. If you’re experiencing redness, pain, or vision changes, don’t delay—pick up the phone and book an appointment.
