Red, sticky, itchy eyes — known as 'Apollo' in Lagos — are almost always conjunctivitis (bacterial or viral). Treatment at Mascot Healthcare, Akoka is fast and effective. Eye drops prescribed same visit. By appointment from ₦5,000.
Inflammation of the conjunctiva causes visible redness — the blood vessels of the white of the eye become engorged.
Conjunctivitis assessmentViral conjunctivitis causes watery discharge; bacterial causes thick yellow or green discharge that seals the eyelids on waking.
Viral vs bacterial assessmentThe scratchy, burning sensation of conjunctivitis — the urge to rub the eye is strong but worsens the condition.
Assessment + treatmentSome cases of conjunctivitis, particularly viral, cause photophobia (sensitivity to bright light).
Assessment neededPeriorbital swelling may accompany conjunctivitis — particularly bacterial or allergic.
Assessment + treatmentSignificant blurred vision not clearing with blinking, or eye pain rather than irritation — may indicate keratitis (corneal inflammation) needing urgent ophthalmology referral.
Urgent: ophthalmology referralThe most common cause during Lagos epidemic outbreaks. Highly contagious — spreads rapidly through schools, offices, and households through contact with discharge or contaminated surfaces. Usually self-limiting (7–14 days). Antibiotic drops do not help viral conjunctivitis — but lubricant drops and cool compresses relieve symptoms.
Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Haemophilus are common causes. More likely when discharge is thick, yellow, or green. Responds to antibiotic eye drops (chloramphenicol or ciprofloxacin drops).
Itchy, watery eyes — often both — without discharge. Triggered by dust, harmattan, pollen, or contact lens solution. Treated with antihistamine drops.
Profuse purulent discharge with rapid onset — gonorrhoea can cause devastating corneal damage within 24 hours. Urgent IV/IM ceftriaxone is required. This is a rare but serious cause that must be excluded in sexually active adults with severe discharge.
Treatment at Mascot Healthcare is targeted based on clinical assessment:
By appointment at Mascot Healthcare, Akoka. Eye drops prescribed same visit. From ₦5,000.