Can I get conjunctivitis meds over the counter?

[PestoEatsPastiesandSurfboards]

Help! My left eye is all red and sore and I think I need some conjunctivitis drops. Does anyone know if I have to go to the doctors or can I just buy something over the counter at the Pharmacy?

Many thanks!

pretty sure you can get it OTC
children can't and if you get it on prescription it's strong i think

I have bought over the counter stuff no problem.

Yes. It depends what type of red eye you have. If your eye is red and gunky (yellow sticky), but not painful or light sensitive you can buy Chloramphenicol eye drops for bacterial conjuntivitis. If you have pain (like toothache but in the eye) or light sensitity or if the eye is very watery you need to get a specialist or Gp to advise.

yes, DH has had viral conjunctivits, very nasty & nothing you can do other than bathe it in water or artificial tears

You can always go to the nearest Walk In Centre if you don't want to wait for an appointment at your practice. Have a look here to find your nearest one.

Apols if you knew this and the nearest WIC is totally impractical!

Thanks all for your input. It's red and a bit sore on the inside side of it, near my nose. It isn't gunky at all, just very bloodshot.

StealthPolarBear do i bathe it in salt water?

Tribot, thank you I didn't know about walk-in centres. Maqso it is sore and itchy but not gunky, if that helps?

No probs, Pesto. NHS Direct can also get you seen by an out of hours doc if you can't wait til tomorrow, I've had eye infections in the past (to the point where I couldn't focus on anything as it made my eye close - eek). I would at least leg it to a pharmacy if you know of one that's still open.

If it is sore (rather than just a bit prickly/itchy) it is wise to get an expert to have a look.

Thanks everyone, just back from the doctors. It's a blocked tear duct and I've got an eyebath and drops to hopefully clear it up.