RFSymptoms: Safety netting advice
ChildrenConjunctivitis
DATE LAST REVIEWED: 05/11/2026
When to seek further review
- See a GP if the red or sticky eyes have not cleared within 7 days, or sooner if worsening.
- Get urgent advice today from an optometrist, GP or NHS 111 for eye pain, sensitivity to light, a very red eye or any change in vision.
- Stop wearing contact lenses. A painful or red eye in a contact-lens wearer needs urgent assessment.
- A baby under 30 days old with a red, sticky eye needs an urgent GP assessment today.
- Do not wait for the suggested review time if symptoms become worse, new symptoms appear, or you are worried.
- Contact your GP when the surgery is open. If it is closed, you cannot get the help you need, or you are unsure what to do, call NHS 111. You can call even if you are not sure whether the symptoms are serious.
When to get emergency help
(Immediately dial 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department)
- Sudden loss of sight.
- A swollen eye that bulges forward, cannot move normally, or is painful to move, especially with a fever.
- A chemical splash, an object piercing the eye, or a serious eye injury.
- Severe difficulty breathing, pauses in breathing, grunting, or the skin pulling in deeply under or between the ribs.
- Being very difficult to wake or unresponsive.
- Being unusually floppy, confused or not responding as usual.
- Blue, grey, very pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue.
How to spot sepsis
Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection. It can get worse quickly. If someone is seriously unwell and may have sepsis, call 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department. Do not wait for every sign, a high temperature or a rash.
An unwell child under 5 who has not had a pee or wet nappy for 12 hours needs emergency assessment. If you are unsure and there are no emergency signs, call NHS 111 for advice.
