Red, irritated eyes with a discharge are one of the most common reasons people visit a GP. What many patients in Auburn and the surrounding suburbs do not know is that they can come directly to Prime Optometrists instead. Because Dr Zobaida Tahiri is therapeutically endorsed, she can assess, diagnose, and prescribe treatment for conjunctivitis at your optometry appointment, without a separate GP visit.
The key word is diagnose. The three main types of conjunctivitis, bacterial, viral, and allergic, look similar to the untreated eye but require entirely different management. Prescribing antibiotic drops for viral conjunctivitis does not help, and failing to treat bacterial conjunctivitis properly prolongs the infection and risks spreading it.
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by bacteria, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Haemophilus influenzae. It typically presents with:
- Yellow or green sticky discharge, often causing the eyelids to stick together in the morning
- Redness affecting predominantly one eye initially, though it often spreads to the second eye
- Gritty or scratchy sensation
- Minimal itch compared to allergic conjunctivitis
Treatment: Antibiotic eye drops, typically chloramphenicol or tobramycin, for five to seven days. The infection usually resolves within a week with appropriate treatment. Dr Tahiri can prescribe these directly at your appointment.
Viral Conjunctivitis
Viral conjunctivitis is most commonly caused by adenoviruses, the same viruses responsible for the common cold. It frequently accompanies or follows an upper respiratory tract infection. Presentation includes:
- Watery, clear discharge rather than thick or coloured
- Significant redness, often in both eyes
- Swelling of the conjunctiva (chemosis)
- Pre-auricular lymph node swelling (a small lump in front of the ear on the affected side)
- Associated cold or flu symptoms
Treatment: Viral conjunctivitis is self-limiting and resolves on its own in one to three weeks. Antibiotic drops have no effect on a viral infection. Cool compresses and lubricating drops help manage symptoms. The most important thing is to avoid spreading it — adenoviral conjunctivitis is highly contagious. Wash your hands frequently, do not share towels, and avoid touching your eyes.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis is driven by the immune system's response to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mould spores. It tends to be seasonal or perennial depending on the trigger. Characteristic features include:
- Intense itching — this is the hallmark feature that distinguishes it from bacterial and viral types
- Bilateral (both eyes affected simultaneously)
- Watery discharge
- Red, puffy eyelids
- Often accompanied by nasal symptoms (hay fever)
Treatment: Antihistamine eye drops (e.g. olopatadine, ketotifen) are the first-line treatment. Mast cell stabiliser drops are useful for preventing symptoms in people with predictable seasonal triggers. Lubricating drops help dilute and flush allergens from the eye surface. Dr Tahiri can prescribe or recommend the most appropriate option at your appointment.
When to See Us Instead of a GP
For most cases of conjunctivitis, an appointment at our Auburn clinic is faster, more direct, and more appropriate than a GP visit, because we can examine the eye directly under magnification to confirm the diagnosis. A GP assessing conjunctivitis without slit lamp equipment is working from symptoms alone.
Come to us or call (02) 9761 0005 if you have:
- Red, discharging eyes lasting more than two days
- Significant pain or sensitivity to light alongside the redness
- Reduced vision in the affected eye
- A child with pink eye who needs a prescription quickly
- Recurring episodes of conjunctivitis
Go directly to Auburn Hospital emergency if you have severe eye pain, sudden vision loss, or a chemical splash to the eye. These are not conjunctivitis.
Book an Appointment
We are at 43 Auburn Road, Auburn NSW 2144, open six days a week. Call (02) 9761 0005 or book online. For red eye assessments, calling ahead is recommended so we can allocate a same-day appointment where possible.
Read more about what a therapeutically endorsed optometrist can treat: What Is a Therapeutically Endorsed Optometrist?