How is conjunctivitis transmitted?

Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
Updated on March 21, 2025
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Conjunctivitis is one of the most common diseases in ophthalmology. Its causes can be divided into microbial and non-microbial categories. It is mainly transmitted through contact, so it is necessary to pay strict attention to personal and public hygiene. It is advised to frequently wash hands and face, and to avoid wiping eyes with hands or sleeves. Patients in the acute phase need to be isolated to prevent transmission and avoid outbreaks. Strict disinfection of the patient's used face washing implements, towels, and contacted items is also necessary.

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Ophthalmology
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Trachoma conjunctivitis symptoms

Trachoma is a chronic infectious conjunctivitis and keratitis caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, which can lead to blindness. During the acute phase in both eyes, symptoms include redness, pain, foreign body sensation, tearing, and purulent discharge, along with swollen lymph nodes, increased papillary formation in the palpebral conjunctiva, and multiple follicles covering the superior and inferior fornices. After the acute phase, which lasts one to two months, it enters a chronic phase where conjunctival congestion decreases, and the conjunctiva thickens with increased papillary and follicular formation. Complications in the later chronic stage mainly include entropion and trichiasis, eyelid ptosis, symblepharon, essential keratoconjunctivitis sicca, and chronic dacryocystitis leading to corneal opacity, among others.

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Written by Zheng Xin
Ophthalmology
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What to do with acute conjunctivitis?

Acute conjunctivitis is the acute inflammatory response of the conjunctiva, primarily caused by bacterial infection. The main treatment is the local use of antibacterials, such as tobramycin eye drops, ofloxacin eye drops, or chloramphenicol eye drops. Simultaneously with antibacterial treatment, it is necessary to practice frequent hand washing, avoid rubbing the eyes, wash the face with running water, and keep items like towels and handkerchiefs separate from others and frequently disinfected. During acute conjunctivitis, it is important to avoid contact with others, as it can be contagious through contact.

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Ophthalmology
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Acute conjunctivitis is commonly known as pink eye.

Acute conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye or "fire eye," is more prevalent in spring and summer. It is a seasonal contagious disease, mainly transmitted through contact. Transmission often occurs by touching the secretions from the eyes of an infected person, shaking hands with someone who has pink eye, or by rubbing the eyes with dirty hands. Acute conjunctivitis is highly contagious, and the symptoms of eye irritation are quite severe, including sensations of stinging, burning, foreign body sensation, as well as photophobia, tearing, and purulent discharge. It is essential to seek medical attention promptly and to emphasize isolation and disinfection.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
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How should chronic conjunctivitis be treated?

Chronic conjunctivitis is a chronic inflammation of the conjunctiva caused by various reasons, with complex etiology, mainly manifested as mild conjunctival congestion and a small amount of mucous secretion, often affecting both eyes. Chronic conjunctivitis is not self-limiting and can be difficult to treat. Treatment is targeted based on different causative factors, along with the appropriate use of antibiotic eye drops and ointments. In cases of chronic staphylococcal conjunctivitis, erythromycin responds quite well, while a broad-spectrum antibiotic eye drop, aminoglycoside eye drops, or ointments may be chosen for other bacterial causes. For cases where the above medications are ineffective, a conjunctival scraping can be performed for bacterial culture and sensitivity testing, and the medication can be adjusted based on the results.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng
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Does conjunctivitis require infusion?

Generally, conjunctivitis does not require intravenous treatment. Treatment primarily focuses on targeting the cause and applying local medications, with systemic medication used when necessary. During the acute phase, it is crucial to avoid bandaging the affected eye. The most basic method of administering medication for conjunctivitis is through eye drops, along with the application of eye ointment before sleep. When there is substantial secretion in the conjunctival sac, it needs to be flushed. In severe cases of conjunctivitis, such as gonococcal conjunctivitis, systemic antibiotics are required in addition to local medications.