Conjunctivitis


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.


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.


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.)


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.


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.


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.


Is conjunctivitis contagious?
Hyperacute bacterial conjunctivitis has a short incubation period and progresses rapidly. It can be transmitted through genital-eye contact. Acute or subacute bacterial conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is highly contagious, prevalent in the spring and autumn, and is generally spread through contact with items used by an infected person. Therefore, it is essential to take preventive measures.


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.


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.


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.