Acute conjunctivitis is commonly known as pink eye.

Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
Updated on December 29, 2024
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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 Li Zhen Dong
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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 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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Precautions for Conjunctivitis

For conjunctivitis, strict attention must be paid to personal and public hygiene. Second, patients in the acute phase need to be isolated to avoid contagion and prevent an epidemic. Third, strict disinfection is required for face-washing items, towels, and medical instruments that have been used by the patient. Fourth, medical staff must wash and disinfect their hands after contact with patients to prevent cross-infection. Fifth, newborns should routinely be given antibiotic eye drops immediately after birth.

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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 many days can conjunctivitis heal?

Conjunctivitis can be categorized by the speed of onset into hyperacute, subacute, acute, and chronic types. It can also be classified by severity into mild, moderate, and severe. Acute conjunctivitis usually is self-limiting, with the condition lasting about two weeks. Effective localized treatment and administration of sensitive antibiotics can lead to recovery within a few days. In contrast, chronic conjunctivitis is not self-limiting and is more challenging to treat.