Can conjunctivitis be treated with warm compresses?

Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
Updated on September 18, 2024
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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.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
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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.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
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Does conjunctivitis require an IV drip?

Conjunctivitis generally does not require intravenous treatment; it is mainly treated according to the cause, with local administration of medication being the primary approach. Systemic medication may be required when necessary. Eye drops are the most basic method of administering medication for conjunctivitis. Eye ointment can also be applied to the eyes; since it remains in the conjunctival sac for a longer duration, it is advisable to use it before bedtime. When there is a lot of secretion in the conjunctival sac, a non-irritating rinse solution can be used to wash the conjunctival sac. In severe cases of conjunctivitis, such as gonococcal conjunctivitis and chlamydial conjunctivitis, systemic antibiotics or sulfa drugs are needed in addition to local treatment.

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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.

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Written by Zhou Qing
Ophthalmology
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Conjunctivitis symptoms

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation that occurs in the thin layer of structure on the surface of the white eyeball and the inner surface of the eyelid. Conjunctivitis can be caused by infections such as bacteria, viruses, chlamydia, fungi, parasites, etc., and by environmental factors like sand, smoke, ultraviolet exposure, and chemical injuries from acids, alkalis, or toxic gases. It can also be an inflammatory response of the conjunctiva due to allergic or systemic diseases including tuberculosis, syphilis, thyroid disorders, or surrounding tissues of the eye such as the cornea, sclera, eyelids, nasal cavity, and sinuses. Common symptoms of conjunctivitis include red eyes, a sensation of a foreign body in the eye, burning, itching, photophobia (sensitivity to light), tearing, and increased discharge. Sometimes it can also cause eye pain.

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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.