Can conjunctivitis heal on its own?

Written by Peng Xi Feng

Ophthalmology

Updated on September 24, 2024

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Conjunctivitis can be classified as hyperacute, acute or subacute, and chronic, based on the speed of onset. Based on the severity of the condition, it can be categorized as mild, moderate, or severe. Acute conjunctivitis is usually self-limiting, with a duration of about two weeks. After treatment with sensitive antibiotics, recovery can occur within a few days. Chronic conjunctivitis is not self-limiting and is more challenging to treat.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng

Ophthalmology

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How is acute conjunctivitis transmitted?

Acute conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, can be caused by various bacteria or viruses and is mainly transmitted through contact. The eye secretions of the infected person can spread the disease to others' eyes via the patient's hands or used items, such as handkerchiefs, towels, basins, various utensils, or toys, etc. Pay attention to personal hygiene, keep hands clean, avoid rubbing eyes with hands, avoid sharing towels or eye-related items with others, and be mindful of sanitation when using public facilities. During an outbreak of infectious acute conjunctivitis, be cautious with public facilities, especially when swimming in pools, and do not rub your eyes after touching public objects to prevent transferring bacteria to the eyes.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng

Ophthalmology

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Conjunctivitis Irrigation Method

The treatment principles of conjunctivitis focus on treating the cause, primarily administering local medications, with systemic medication when necessary, and washing the conjunctival sac. When there is a significant amount of secretion in the conjunctival sac, an non-irritating wash solution such as saline or 3% boric acid solution can be used for washing one to two times a day, to clear the secretions from the conjunctival sac. Care should be taken to avoid the washing solution from entering the healthy eye to prevent cross-infection.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng

Ophthalmology

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What are the symptoms of conjunctivitis?

According to the onset speed of conjunctivitis, it can be divided into hyperacute conjunctivitis, acute or subacute conjunctivitis, and chronic conjunctivitis. The symptoms of conjunctivitis mainly include foreign body sensation, burning sensation, itching eyes, photophobia, tearing, and significant signs include conjunctival congestion, edema, increased secretions, papillary hyperplasia, follicles, pseudomembranes and true membranes, granuloma, and so on.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng

Ophthalmology

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Conjunctivitis is treated how?

Conjunctivitis is treated based on the cause, primarily with local medication and systemic treatment when necessary, and it is advisable to avoid bandaging the affected eye during the acute phase. First, eye drops are the most basic method of administering medication for treating conjunctivitis. Second, eye ointment should preferably be applied before bedtime. Third, when there is excessive secretion in the conjunctival sac, it is necessary to rinse the conjunctival sac. Fourth, severe conjunctivitis, such as gonococcal conjunctivitis, requires systemic treatment with antibiotics or sulfonamides.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng

Ophthalmology

32sec

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How long is the incubation period for conjunctivitis?

Hyperacute bacterial conjunctivitis, caused by gonococci or meningococci, is characterized by a short incubation period of 10 hours to two to three days, with rapid disease progression. Acute or subacute bacterial conjunctivitis, also known as acute catarrhal conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, has a sudden onset with an incubation period of one to three days, affecting both eyes either simultaneously or one to two days apart.