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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Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
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Can conjunctivitis heal on its own?

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 conjunctivitis transmitted?

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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Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
31sec home-news-image

Can you take a bath with conjunctivitis?

Patients with conjunctivitis can bathe, but should strictly pay attention to personal and collective hygiene, advocate frequent handwashing and face washing, and avoid wiping eyes with hands or sleeves. Do not share a towel with others. Patients in the acute phase need to be isolated to prevent transmission and curb the epidemic. When one eye is infected, precautions should be taken to prevent the other eye from being infected.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
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How to distinguish between viral conjunctivitis and allergic conjunctivitis?

Allergic conjunctivitis mainly presents with itching and conjunctival edema, generally without obvious secretions. Viral conjunctivitis usually has watery secretions and lacks significant itching. In terms of treatment, viral conjunctivitis is primarily treated with antiviral medications, such as aciclovir eye drops and ganciclovir eye drops. The treatment for allergic conjunctivitis mainly involves steroid eye drops and non-steroidal eye drops, and also requires the use of anti-inflammatory eye drops. Neither type of conjunctivitis should be treated with warm compresses. For allergic conjunctivitis, it is also important to avoid allergens, while for viral conjunctivitis, it is crucial to be aware of any visual impairments. (Note: The use of medications should be carried out under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
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Can conjunctivitis be treated with warm compresses?

Conjunctivitis can be treated with warm compresses. If the eye pain is due to an infection, warm compresses can soothe the eyes and reduce redness and discomfort. However, it is important to note that a wet, warm towel can cause the infection to spread from one eye to the other. Therefore, remember to use different towels for each eye, and ensure that the towel is clean before each application. When cleaning the eyes, remember to wipe from the inside out, starting from the side closest to the nose and moving outward. Always use a clean side of the towel for each wipe to ensure that any removed secretions do not get wiped back into the eye.