Overview
Conjunctivitis — sometimes called Apollo or pink eye — is inflammation of the thin lining of the eye, making it red, gritty, watery and sometimes sticky. Viral forms spread very easily through hands and shared towels, sweeping through schools and offices. Most cases clear within one to two weeks.
Symptoms
- Red or pink eye, usually starting in one eye
- Gritty or sandy feeling
- Watering or sticky discharge
- Eyelids stuck together on waking
- Itching (allergic type)
- Mild sensitivity to light
Causes & risk factors
- Viral infection (highly contagious)
- Bacterial infection
- Allergies — dust, pollen, harmattan
- Irritants such as smoke or chemicals
Treatment & self-care
Clean the eye gently with cooled boiled water, wash hands frequently, and avoid sharing towels or touching the eyes; viral Apollo clears on its own. Doctors prescribe antibiotic drops only for clearly bacterial cases and antihistamine drops for allergy. Never use urine, breast milk, salt water mixtures or shared traditional remedies in the eye.
See a doctor urgently if
- Eye pain (not just grittiness) or reduced vision
- Severe light sensitivity
- Thick pus with a very swollen lid
- No improvement after a week
- Red eye in a newborn — same day