Red, sticky or painful eye while travelling?
Most red eyes are conjunctivitis, and most conjunctivitis clears on its own — but a few symptoms mean you should see a doctor today. Here is how to tell the difference, what Danish pharmacies can and cannot give you, and where to get treated in English.
Eye worrying you?
A same-day examination with an English-speaking doctor — DKK 1,000, treatment or prescription included in the visit if needed.
Pay by card in the clinic after your visit — no prepayment.
See a doctor today if…
- Real eye pain — aching, not just gritty irritation
- Changes in vision, halos, or marked sensitivity to light
- You wear contact lenses — infections behind a lens can escalate fast; stop wearing them now
- Injury or a foreign body, or symptoms after grinding/metalwork
- A newborn with a sticky eye and swelling — urgent, call 1813
The common, harmless version
Viral conjunctivitis — red, watery, gritty, often starting in one eye after a cold — usually clears within one to two weeks on its own. Cool compresses and lubricating drops (over the counter at any pharmacy) ease the discomfort. Wash hands, avoid rubbing, skip eye make-up, and it usually stays a nuisance rather than a problem.
Bacterial conjunctivitis — thicker, yellow-green discharge that glues the eye shut — sometimes justifies antibiotic drops. In Denmark those are prescription-only, so a doctor needs a quick look first; the examination and assessment happen in one visit.
Allergic eyes
Itchy, watery, both eyes, often with sneezing — pollen season in Denmark runs long. Antihistamine tablets and allergy eye drops are over the counter; ask the pharmacist.
Medical review and sources
Medically reviewed by Alexander Tetzlaff, MD, Specialist in General Medicine and doctor at YourGP — meet the team.
Published and last reviewed: 2 September 2026.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy antibiotic eye drops at a Danish pharmacy?
No — antibiotic drops are prescription-only in Denmark. A doctor examines the eye first; the prescription is electronic and works at any pharmacy immediately.
I wear contact lenses and my eye is red — how urgent is it?
Same-day urgent. Take the lenses out now and get examined — lens-related infections can damage the cornea quickly.
Do I need an eye specialist?
Usually not — a GP handles conjunctivitis and most red eyes, and refers you the same day in the rare cases that need an ophthalmologist.
Is conjunctivitis contagious?
The infectious kinds are, and easily. Wash hands often, use your own towel, and skip lenses and make-up until it clears.
Want it looked at today?
Book the first available time — examination and any prescription in one visit.
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