Acute conjunctivitis symptoms

Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
Updated on April 21, 2025
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Acute conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is highly contagious and frequently occurs during the spring and autumn seasons. The onset of the disease is sudden with an incubation period of one to three days. The disease can affect both eyes either simultaneously or one to two days apart. The inflammation is most severe three to four days after onset and then gradually subsides. The duration of the disease is generally less than three weeks. The main clinical symptoms include a foreign body sensation, burning, itching, photophobia, tearing, and increased discharge.

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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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Ophthalmology
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How is conjunctivitis transmitted?

Conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye diseases. The causes of conjunctivitis can be divided into microbial and non-microbial categories, and based on different sources, it can be classified as exogenous or endogenous. It can also be caused by the spread of inflammation from adjacent tissues, with microbial infection being the most common. Transmission primarily occurs through contact, hence it is necessary to strictly disinfect washbasins, towels, and other items that the patient has used.

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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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Ophthalmology
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What department should I go to for conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is one of the most common diseases in ophthalmology. The causes of the disease can be divided into microbial and non-biological categories, and depending on different sources, it can be classified as exogenous or endogenous. It can also be caused by the spread of inflammation from adjacent tissues. The most common cause is microbial infection, involving pathogens such as bacteria or chlamydia. Patients with conjunctivitis should consult an ophthalmologist.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
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Acute conjunctivitis symptoms

Acute conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is highly contagious and frequently occurs during the spring and autumn seasons. The onset of the disease is sudden with an incubation period of one to three days. The disease can affect both eyes either simultaneously or one to two days apart. The inflammation is most severe three to four days after onset and then gradually subsides. The duration of the disease is generally less than three weeks. The main clinical symptoms include a foreign body sensation, burning, itching, photophobia, tearing, and increased discharge.