Conjunctivitis symptoms: pink eye and when to see a GP in Ireland

You wake up and one eye is stuck shut. Here is what conjunctivitis symptoms look like in Ireland, what you can do at home, and when to see a GP.

You wake up and one eye is stuck shut. The white looks pink, and it feels as if sand is in it. That is usually when people type conjunctivitis symptoms, or pink eye, and hope it can wait until after the school run.

Conjunctivitis is an eye condition caused by infection or allergies. People also call it red eye or pink eye. Adults can often look after a mild case at home. A baby, a contact lens wearer, or anyone with pain or a change in sight needs a different plan. Read HSE: conjunctivitis. That page was reviewed on 29 April 2025.

Not for emergencies. Call 112 or 999.

Book an appointment if you can describe the eye, or show it on video, and none of the urgent signs below are present. Services and pricing show the visit and the live fee.

Conjunctivitis symptoms

The HSE says conjunctivitis usually makes the eyes:

Bloodshot
Itchy, gritty, or sore
Produce pus that sticks to the lashes
Swollen
Watery

One eye or both can be involved. You might also feel generally unwell.

A cold sore on the lip is a different problem. If the sore is on the eyelid, or sight has changed, that needs its own check. See cold sore in Ireland.

Is pink eye contagious?

Pink eye is another name for conjunctivitis. It is not one single cause.

When allergies such as hay fever are the cause, the eyes go red and watery. That kind is not contagious.

Conjunctivitis that produces sticky pus is contagious. Eyes that are red and feel gritty are usually contagious too. Wash your hands. Do not share a towel. Wipe one eye, then use a fresh pad for the other.

What you can do at home

The HSE home steps for an adult are plain:

Wash your hands.
Boil water and let it cool completely.
Soak a cotton pad in that water. Gently wipe from the inner corner to the outer corner.
Use a new pad for the other eye.
A clean cold flannel on the closed eyes can cool them for a few minutes.

Do not wear contact lenses until the eyes are better. Do not rub them.

This is general care, not a promise that the eye will clear because you booked a visit.

When to see a GP for conjunctivitis in Ireland

Contact a GP if:

You wear contact lenses and the eye is red
Symptoms have not cleared after 2 weeks
A child over 6 months has a red, sore, or sticky eye that is not settling
A child has red eyes for more than 2 days, or is distressed by them

A baby under 6 months with conjunctivitis should be seen by a GP. Sticky eyes from a narrow tear duct are common in newborns and often settle, but pink or red whites of the eyes need a GP. The HSE page on sticky eyes in babies explains that difference: HSE: sticky eyes.

A phone or video visit can fit when you can talk, the urgent list below is clear, and you can show the eye in good light if you chose video. Hold the phone still. Same-day slots appear when a GP is free. They are not promised every hour. The GP may still want you seen in person, or by an optician.

When a red eye should not wait

Ask for an urgent GP appointment, or go to the emergency department, if you have conjunctivitis and:

Pain in the eye
A change in vision, such as wavy lines or flashing
Intense redness in one or both eyes
The child is less than 4 weeks old

The HSE red-eye page also says call 112 or 999, or go to the emergency department, if a red eye comes with a change in sight, if it hurts to look at light, if you have a severe headache and feel sick, if the eye is very dark red, or if the eye is injured or something is stuck in it. Do not drive yourself. Read HSE: red eye. A wider note on emergencies is on GP or emergency department in Ireland.

A phone or video visit

An IMC-registered GP can assess a mild red eye by phone or video when those urgent signs are absent. Video helps if the lashes are stuck or the white of the eye is pink and you can show it. Phone is enough when you can describe it clearly.

Weekday online visits are from €35.99, during 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Ireland time. Evenings (6:00 PM to 8:00 PM) are from €40.00. Weekends (8:00 AM to 8:00 PM) are from €40.00. The exact fee is shown before you book. Check pricing before you pay. Pick Online Consultation on the booking screen. The visit type is on services.

If you need follow-up care, your GP will advise you on next steps. Paying for the visit does not buy treatment.

WhatsApp +353 899805438, email bookmydoc.ie@gmail.com, or the contact page.

Frequently asked questions

What are conjunctivitis symptoms?

Bloodshot, itchy, gritty, or sore eyes, pus that sticks the lashes, swelling, and watering. One eye or both can be affected.

Is pink eye the same as conjunctivitis?

Yes. Pink eye is the everyday name. Allergy-related pink eye is red and watery and is not contagious. Sticky pus usually means the contagious kind.

When should I see a GP for conjunctivitis in Ireland?

See a GP if you wear contact lenses and the eye is red, if it has not cleared in 2 weeks, or if a baby or young child is affected. A baby under 6 months should be seen by a GP.

When is a red eye urgent?

Eye pain, a change in vision, intense redness, pain when looking at light, an injured eye, or a baby under 4 weeks old. Call 112 or 999, or go to the emergency department, for those. Do not wait on a video slot.