Home › General clinic › Eye Infection (Apollo) in Lagos?Red, Itc
Eye Health · Conjunctivitis · Akoka

Eye Infection (Apollo) in Lagos?
Red, Itchy Eyes: Treated Today.

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. Consultations by appointment, see prices.

💬 Book Now: WhatsApp📞 0816 586 6252
Consultation pricesEye drops prescribedSame-day slots when availableAkoka, Lagos
Eye Infection Treatment  ·  See prices  ·  Eye drops same visit · Walk-in
Symptoms

What to Look Out For

👁️

Red, pink, or bloodshot eyes

Inflammation of the conjunctiva causes visible redness, the blood vessels of the white of the eye become engorged.

Conjunctivitis assessment
💧

Watery or sticky discharge

Viral conjunctivitis causes watery discharge; bacterial causes thick yellow or green discharge that seals the eyelids on waking.

Viral vs bacterial assessment
😣

Itching and burning

The scratchy, burning sensation of conjunctivitis: the urge to rub the eye is strong but worsens the condition.

Assessment + treatment
🌞

Light sensitivity

Some cases of conjunctivitis, particularly viral, cause photophobia (sensitivity to bright light).

Assessment needed
🔵

Swollen eyelids

Periorbital swelling may accompany conjunctivitis: particularly bacterial or allergic.

Assessment + treatment
👓

Blurred vision

Significant blurred vision not clearing with blinking, or eye pain rather than irritation, may indicate keratitis (corneal inflammation) needing urgent ophthalmology referral.

Urgent: ophthalmology referral
Causes

Common Causes

Viral conjunctivitis ('Apollo')

The 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.

Bacterial conjunctivitis

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).

Allergic conjunctivitis

Itchy, watery eyes: often both: without discharge. Triggered by dust, harmattan, pollen, or contact lens solution. Treated with antihistamine drops.

Gonococcal conjunctivitis: always urgent

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

How We Treat It

Treatment at Mascot Healthcare is targeted based on clinical assessment:

  • Viral: Lubricant drops (artificial tears), cool compresses, good hand hygiene. Antihistamine drops for symptomatic relief. Usually resolves in 7–14 days.
  • Bacterial: Topical antibiotic drops (chloramphenicol 0.5% four times daily for 5–7 days) or ointment. Usually resolves in 3–5 days with treatment.
  • Allergic: Antihistamine drops (sodium cromoglicate or olopatadine), oral antihistamine if severe, allergen avoidance.
  • Urgent referral: Any case with significant vision reduction, eye pain, corneal clouding, or suspected gonococcal infection is referred same-day to an ophthalmologist.
Hygiene to prevent spread: Wash hands frequently, avoid touching eyes, use a separate towel, do not share eye drops or makeup. Stay home from school or work during an active Apollo outbreak.
Questions

FAQs

Is Apollo the same as conjunctivitis?
Yes, 'Apollo' is the Lagos/Nigerian colloquial name for conjunctivitis, particularly epidemic viral conjunctivitis. The name comes from the Apollo 11 moon landing era when a major outbreak occurred. All Apollo is conjunctivitis, but not all conjunctivitis is the epidemic viral type.
Should I use eye drops from the pharmacy without seeing a doctor?
Lubricant drops (artificial tears) are safe to use without prescription. Antibiotic drops should ideally be prescribed after assessment to ensure the infection is bacterial. Using antibiotic drops for viral conjunctivitis provides no benefit and contributes to resistance.
When is an eye infection serious enough to go to hospital?
Seek urgent ophthalmology care if you have: significant pain inside the eye (not just surface irritation), marked vision reduction, corneal cloudiness, profuse purulent discharge of sudden onset, or eye symptoms following a chemical splash or foreign body injury.

Get Your Eye Infection Treated Today

By appointment at Mascot Healthcare, Akoka. Eye drops prescribed same visit. See prices.

💬 Book via WhatsApp📞 0816 586 6252
Consultation
See prices
Eye drops
Same visit
By appointment
Mon–Sat 9AM–5PM

Related pages

Fever treatmentSkin rash treatmentOur clinic

Last updated 16 October 2026.