To miss work for eye infection?

[Sabrina145]

I don’t know if I should take a day or not. I have an eye infection that started very suddenly this evening, with pain, itch, swelling on eyelid the usual set of symptoms. It’s hurting me every time I blink. I don’t know if conjunctivitis is supposed to hurt that much, but this is! Going to try Brolene drops and have used warm teabag (supposed to be great!) Wondering if I should go to the doctor and go in. Meeting loads of people at a work event tomorrow and feeling conscious of how my eye looks too! It does say online to see a doctor if there pain, but surely an eye infection should hurt? So maybe I’m being unreasonable even considering missing work for an appointment!

It’s a simple question really - are you fit to work? If the answer is yes, then you should go to work, in my view. If not (for example, because your vision is impaired and you need to be able to see properly), then don’t. I don’t think not going in because you feel self-conscious is a very good reason not to (on its own).

Conjunctivitis is actually highly infectious and can feel gritty, painful and just down right awful. Pus and water coming out of your eyes etc 😬

My grandfather was hospitalised in his 20's for 2 weeks with it. Apparently that was normal 'back then!'

I personally would start with the pharmacist, and try a few days of the drops. I would never contact GP for this, unless there are other, alarming symptoms.

Try a pharmacist first thing if still sore.

@NoNoHellaNoNoHellaNoNo Thanks. I’m not unwell but it’s really hurting me when I blink and I can’t think of anything else. Pretty swelled
too. I guess it’s between a quick doctor’s apt or work. It was just when I read it you have pain, which I do. Apparently eye infection should be more discomfort than pain- maybe I’m overthinking it!

Stay home

You can see a pharmacist about conjunctivitis. They can give you eye drops if needed.

I would stay home personally - conjunctivitis is horrible and incredibly painful, I wouldn't be able to concentrate on work.

I would find a late night pharmacist and go out now. They can give you the anti-biotic drops if you need them.

@Ionacat that would be great but In Ireland they have to be prescribed by GP (the antibiotic drops) the best we can get over the counter is Brolene etc!

I have had a day or two off for conjunctivitis I caught from my children. I could have worked in the sense that it didn’t hurt too much but looked dreadful and I it’s so contagious I didn’t want people being wary of me! It cleared up quick

Have you health insurance? Might be able to do an online gp consultation and get antibiotics prescribed if needed. Brolene sorted out my eye when I had something similar. Boss sent me home immediately when he saw my eye, highly contagious, looked terrible etc etc

I was about to say Chloramphenicol drops from pharmacist (but then noticed you are in NI and cannot get over the counter). This is assuming it is actually conjunctivitis of course but pharmacist would probably be able to confirm. Looks like you may have to see GP though.