Self care strategies

A central principle in conjunctivitis management is recognising that most cases resolve without antibiotic treatment. Symptoms commonly improve within five to seven days – even in bacterial infection.

Pharmacy technicians can therefore play a key role in reassurance, education and expectation management.

Self-care advice that can be passed on to patients includes:

• Good hand hygiene
• Gentle cleaning of the eyelids (see box)
• Avoiding eye rubbing
• Temporary discontinuation of contact lenses
• Avoiding sharing towels or face cloths.

Artificial tears can help to relieve irritation and dilute inflammatory mediators, while cold compresses may provide comfort.

In allergic conjunctivitis, topical antihistamines or mast-cell stabilisers are first-line treatments, with oral antihistamines considered when appropriate.