Conjunctivitis treatment in Huntingdon.
Conjunctivitis — pink eye — is common and usually settles, but the cause matters. Under the NHS Minor Ailments Scheme our pharmacist can look at your eye, work out whether treatment is needed and, where suitable, supply it on the NHS — no GP referral required.
What is conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the thin, clear layer covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids.
It can make one or both eyes red, itchy, watery or sticky. It is sometimes called pink eye.
Conjunctivitis can affect one or both eyes. The cause matters because not every type is infectious, and treatment depends on what is causing it.
No appointment needed — come in during opening hours and ask for the pharmacist.
Prefer a set time? Call and we'll book you in with the pharmacist.
Open Mon–Fri 08:45–18:00 (closed 13:00–14:00).
Common signs and symptoms
- Redness in the white of the eye
- Watery eyes or sticky discharge
- Itching, irritation or a gritty feeling
- Eyelids sticking together, especially in the morning
- Mild swelling of the eyelids
- Sometimes a burning sensation or discomfort
What causes conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis has several different causes, and the cause affects whether it is contagious and how it is treated.
Viruses can cause red, watery eyes and may occur alongside a cold or sore throat. Viral conjunctivitis is contagious and often clears without specific treatment.
Bacteria can cause redness and thicker, sticky yellow or greenish discharge. Some cases improve without antibiotics, but a healthcare professional may recommend treatment when appropriate.
Pollen, dust mites, animal dander and other allergens can cause itchy, watery, red eyes. Both eyes are often affected, and the condition is not contagious.
Smoke, chlorine, cosmetics, foreign particles or contact lenses can irritate the eyes. Contact lens wearers with a red eye need particular care because a more serious infection can occur.
How can it be prevented?
It isn't always possible to avoid conjunctivitis, but these habits lower the risk of catching, spreading or triggering it.
Wash with soap and water, especially before and after touching or cleaning the eyes.
Do not share towels, flannels, pillows, eye cosmetics or eye drops with other people.
Wash towels, pillowcases and face cloths regularly. Dispose of used tissues promptly.
Follow lens cleaning and replacement instructions, never sleep in lenses unless specifically advised, and do not wear lenses while your eyes are red or irritated.
If allergies trigger your symptoms, avoid known triggers where possible and ask a pharmacist about suitable allergy treatments.
These measures can reduce the risk of spreading infectious conjunctivitis and help prevent irritation or allergic flare-ups.
When should someone seek medical help?
Most cases are mild, but a red eye can sometimes indicate a more serious eye condition.
Seek urgent medical assessment
Contact NHS 111 or seek an urgent GP or optician assessment if you have:
- Eye pain
- Sensitivity to light
- A very red eye
- Changes in vision
- A red eye while wearing contact lenses — you need urgent assessment because of the risk of corneal infection
Get emergency help for serious symptoms
Go to A&E or call 999 as appropriate if there is:
- Sudden loss of vision
- Severe eye pain
- A serious eye injury
- Chemical exposure to the eye
Babies and young children
Seek medical advice rather than relying on self-treatment if:
- A newborn under 30 days old has red, sticky eyes — this needs urgent medical assessment
- A child under 2 years has a red eye
Arrange further assessment if symptoms persist
Seek medical advice if symptoms:
- Have not cleared within 7 days
- Are getting worse
- Keep returning
Common questions
Can a pharmacist help with conjunctivitis?
Yes. Under the NHS Minor Ailments Scheme our pharmacist can ask about your symptoms, look at your eye, and advise on treatment — including an NHS supply where suitable. If your eye needs more than the scheme covers, we'll tell you where to go.
Is conjunctivitis contagious?
Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are contagious, which is why hand washing and not sharing towels or flannels matters. Allergic conjunctivitis isn't contagious at all.
How long does it last?
Many cases settle within a few days to a week or two. If symptoms haven't cleared within 7 days, are getting worse, or keep returning, you should be assessed again.
Can I keep wearing my contact lenses?
No — stop wearing them until your eye has fully settled, and throw away any lenses or cases used while the eye was infected. Contact lens wearers with a red eye need urgent assessment because of the risk of a corneal infection.
How much does it cost?
The consultation is free. If the pharmacist can treat you under the scheme, any NHS prescription charge that applies is the same as it would be at your GP — and free if you don't normally pay for prescriptions.
Do I need an appointment?
No — walk-ins are welcome during opening hours. If you'd rather have a set time, call us on 01480 425412 and we'll schedule one for you.
Other minor ailments we can help with
Constipation
Advice and NHS treatment for constipation from our pharmacist — walk in or call to arrange a time.
Learn more about constipationCold
Advice and NHS help for cold symptoms from our pharmacist — walk in or call to arrange a time.
Learn more about coldCough
Advice and NHS treatment for coughs from our pharmacist — walk in or call to arrange a time.
Learn more about coughGet sorted, sooner.
Walk in and ask for the pharmacist, or call us to arrange a time — free NHS advice and treatment under the Minor Ailments Scheme.