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" Question  I regularly have conjunctivitis.  I&amp;#039;ve recently had it for 10 days, and I&amp;#039;ve been using Brolene eye drops but this hasn&amp;#039;t helped.  Is there anything you can recommend?  Or is there any reason I get this so often?    Answer Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eye) is a condition where the inner lining of the eyelid and the mucous membrane covering the eyeball become inflamed.  It can occur as a result of infection, viral or bacterial, or can be the result of an allergic reaction. Bacterial infection is by far the commonest cause, either as a primary event or a secondary infection following a viral illness such as a cold.  The discharge that occurs with bacterial conjunctivitis is often yellow or green in appearance and can cause the eyelids to stick together overnight.  Viral conjunctivitis tends to produce a more watery, clear discharge.  Allergic conjunctivitis is more common as the pollen count starts to climb and is more likely to be associated with itchy red eyes, with excessive tear production and the hay fever symptoms of an itchy, runny nose (rhinitis) and excessive sneezing.  Other causes of allergic conjunctivitis are household pets, dust and house dust mites, perfumes and cosmetics used around the eye.  Most cases of bacterial conjunctivitis can be managed with antiseptic drops such as you describe.  But because your symptoms have gone on for more than two days and have not responded to treatment, it&amp;#039;s now necessary for you to visit the doctor and obtain their opinion for the best course of action.  They will prescribe an antibiotic if a bacterial cause is suspected.  Viral and allergic conjunctivitis responds to treatment with an anti-inflammatory or steroid. Preparations available over the counter for allergic eyes include sodium cromoglycate and antazoline.  It&amp;#039;s important to appreciate that your eyes will be very irritable and sensitive to light.  Wearing an eye patch during the day can improve the symptoms tremendously and speed recovery.  Self-help treatment includes the use of warm water and cotton wool to soak the lids for 10 to 20 minutes several times daily, at least an hour apart, to gently remove any crusting.  Should your eye become painful or your vision be adversely affected, don&amp;#039;t hesitate to call for medical advice immediately.  Yours sincerely  The NetDoctor Medical Team   Other Qs &amp;amp; As Conjunctivitis My daughter has a sticky eye What are these repeated episodes of conjunctivitis due to?   Last updated 29.01.2012 "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/ask-the-expert/eyes/a5319/recurring-conjunctivitis/>