Minor Eye Infections

Conjunctivitis


Conjunctivitis is an infection or inflammation of the outer layer of the eye caused by a bacterial or viral infection or sometimes because of allergies. 1 Whilst it is usually not serious, conjunctivitis can be contagious. Getting an early diagnosis and taking certain precautions can help limit its spread. 2


Eye with inflamed eyelids, crusting, and redness.
Doctor in white coat examines with magnifying glass.

Signs and symptoms


Conjunctivitis usually affects both eyes and makes them: 3


  • Red
  • Burn or feel gritty
  • Produce pus that sticks to lashes
  • Itch
  • Water


Conjunctivitis can be either bacterial, viral or allergic. Speaking with your Pharmacist will help you understand what the likely cause of your infection and the best treatment is. 1


Bacterial Conjunctivitis normally causes a yellow or green sticky discharge throughout the day and can clear up on its own within 2 weeks. To help speed up the process and clear the infection in a few days your pharmacist may recommend treatment with antibiotic drops. Antibiotics will not treat viral or allergic conjunctivitis. 1


Medicated Treatment

Both GoldenEye® Drops and GoldenEye® Ointment have a bacteriostatic mode of action which works by stopping the bacteria from multiplying and therefore suitable for the treatment of conjunctivitis caused by bacteria in adults and children. 4,5


GoldenEye® Drops and GoldenEye® Ointment can be purchased from your Pharmacy after you have spoken with your pharmacist.


Always read the label. 


Ask your pharmacist for GoldenEye®.


Box of Golden Eye Drops, showing the eye drop box with an eye and text.

GoldenEye® Drops

0.1% w/v eye drops solution 

Golden Eye ointment tube, green and white packaging, with eye image. For minor eye infections.

GoldenEye® Ointment

0.15% w/w eye ointment

Golden Eye antibiotic eye ointment for acute bacterial conjunctivitis.

GoldenEye® Antibiotic

Antibiotic 1% w/w Eye Ointment 

Chloramphenicol

For Acute Bacterial Conjunctivitis which requires treatment with an antibiotic in adults and children over 2 years old, your pharmacist or GP may recommend treatment with GoldenEye® Antibiotic Eye Ointment. 6

Ask your pharmacist for GoldenEye®

Always read the label

Things you can do to treat and prevent bacterial conjunctivitis from spreading.3

References:

  1. https://www.esht.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/0869.pdf
  2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pink-eye/symptoms-causes/syc-20376355
  3. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/conjunctivitis/
  4. GoldenEye® Drops Summary of Product Characteristics
  5. GoldenEye® Ointment Summary of Product Characteristics
  6. GoldenEye® Antibiotic Ointment Summary of Product Characteristics

Date of Prep: October 2025   Approval Code: GOL/25/04B