Conjunctivitis and Keratitis Differences

Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
Updated on September 25, 2024
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Under normal circumstances, bacteria can reside in the conjunctival sac. Infection can occur when the pathogenicity of infecting bacteria is stronger than the host's defense capabilities, or when the host's defense capabilities are compromised. Patients with varying degrees of conjunctival hyperemia and purulent, mucoid, or mucopurulent secretions in the conjunctival sac should be suspected of bacterial conjunctivitis. Keratitis refers to the condition where the cornea's defense capabilities are reduced, and inflammation of the corneal tissue occurs due to external or endogenous pathogenic factors invading the cornea.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
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Does conjunctivitis require isolation?

Infectious conjunctivitis can lead to epidemic infection, therefore it is essential to take preventive measures. Conjunctivitis is often spread through contact, thus it is advocated to frequently wash hands and faces, and avoid wiping eyes with hands or sleeves. Patients with infectious conjunctivitis must be isolated, and any toiletries used by the patients must be isolated and disinfected. Medical staff should also wash and disinfect their hands after examining patients to prevent cross-infection.

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Ophthalmology
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Conjunctivitis is treated how?

Conjunctivitis is treated based on the cause, primarily with local medication and systemic treatment when necessary, and it is advisable to avoid bandaging the affected eye during the acute phase. First, eye drops are the most basic method of administering medication for treating conjunctivitis. Second, eye ointment should preferably be applied before bedtime. Third, when there is excessive secretion in the conjunctival sac, it is necessary to rinse the conjunctival sac. Fourth, severe conjunctivitis, such as gonococcal conjunctivitis, requires systemic treatment with antibiotics or sulfonamides.

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Written by Zheng Xin
Ophthalmology
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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.

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Ophthalmology
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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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Written by Peng Xi Feng
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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.