What should you not eat if you have conjunctivitis?

Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
Updated on May 27, 2025
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Conjunctivitis is characterized by conjunctival congestion, exudation, papillary hypertrophy, and follicle formation due to infection, allergies, or trauma. It is a common eye disease in ophthalmology, and generally does not severely affect vision. Patients with conjunctivitis should avoid spicy foods such as onions, leeks, garlic, chili peppers, lamb, dog meat, etc. It is also best for patients with conjunctivitis to consume less shrimp, crab, and other seafood that may exacerbate the condition. Additionally, patients should avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
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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.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
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Should people with conjunctivitis avoid certain foods?

Patients with conjunctivitis should avoid spicy foods, such as onions, leeks, garlic, chili peppers, lamb, dog meat, and other heat-inducing comfort foods, which are not conducive to the early recovery of the disease. Additionally, they should consume less shrimp, crab, and other seafood that may exacerbate the condition. Smoking is also prohibited due to the presence of nicotine in cigarettes, which constricts blood vessels and can worsen red eye, thus smoking must be strictly avoided. Furthermore, alcohol consumption should be avoided as it can prolong the disease.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
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How is conjunctivitis caused?

Conjunctivitis is one of the most common diseases in ophthalmology. The causes can be divided into microbial and non-microbial categories, and based on different sources, they can be categorized as exogenous or endogenous. It may also be caused by the spread of inflammation from adjacent tissues, with the most common cause being microbial infections. The pathogens can be bacteria or chlamydia, with occasional fungal, Rickettsia, and parasitic infections.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
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How to care for conjunctivitis?

Patients with conjunctivitis should eliminate the cause and undertake anti-infection treatment. If sensitive to light, wearing sunglasses can help reduce irritation from light. Strict attention must be paid to personal and collective hygiene. It is advocated to frequently wash hands and face, and avoid rubbing the eyes with hands or clothing. Patients need to be isolated to prevent contagion and stop the spread of infection. It is also important to strictly disinfect face-washing implements, hand towels, and items that have come into contact with the patient.

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Written by Zheng Xin
Ophthalmology
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Is it good to apply heat to acute conjunctivitis?

Acute conjunctivitis is usually caused by bacterial infection, also known as pink eye. In the early stages of treating acute conjunctivitis, it is necessary to choose sensitive antibiotics for anti-infection treatment, such as antibiotic eye drops. Frequent application can alleviate symptoms. Generally, it is not recommended to apply heat as this can easily lead to the spread of local infection and may also lead to cross-infection. However, appropriate local cold compresses can be applied, as acute conjunctivitis is characterized by symptoms such as redness, swelling, heat, pain, and increased secretions. Local cold compresses can help reduce symptoms and relieve discomfort.