For most cases of acute (non-herpetic) viral conjunctivitis, management is primarily supportive, and specific antiviral treatments are not indicated NICE CKS. These cases are typically self-limiting and usually resolve within one to two weeks without treatment NICE CKS.
Patients should be advised on self-care measures to ease symptoms, which include bathing or cleaning the eyelids with sterile saline or boiled and cooled water, applying cool compresses, and using lubricating agents or artificial tears NICE CKS. It is important to avoid antibiotic prescription for non-herpetic viral conjunctivitis, as topical antibiotics are not appropriate and may cause adverse reactions NICE CKS.
However, if ocular herpes simplex infection is suspected, this is a specific type of viral conjunctivitis that requires specialist management and may involve antiviral treatment NICE CKS. All suspected cases of ocular herpes simplex infection should be referred to eye casualty or an emergency eye service for same-day assessment and specialist management NICE CKS. Drug treatment, such as topical antivirals, should generally not be initiated in primary care while awaiting specialist ophthalmology assessment, unless specialist advice is sought NICE CKS. Specialist management for ocular herpes simplex may include topical and/or oral antiviral drug treatment for epithelial keratitis NICE CKS.