Precautions for Conjunctivitis

Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
Updated on November 12, 2024
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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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Acute conjunctivitis etiology

Acute conjunctivitis, also known as acute catarrhal conjunctivitis and commonly referred to as pink eye, is highly contagious. It is most often seen in the spring and autumn seasons. The infection can occur sporadically or can spread in community settings such as schools and factories. The onset of the disease is sudden, with an incubation period of one to three days. Both eyes may be affected simultaneously or one to two days apart. The inflammation is most severe three to four days after onset and then gradually lessens, with the course of the disease generally lasting less than three weeks. The most common pathogens are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Haemophilus influenzae. The pathogens can vary with the seasons; studies indicate that infections in the winter are mainly caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, while Haemophilus influenzae conjunctivitis is more common in the spring and summer.

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Ophthalmology
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Conjunctivitis Irrigation Method

The treatment principles of conjunctivitis focus on treating the cause, primarily administering local medications, with systemic medication when necessary, and washing the conjunctival sac. When there is a significant amount of secretion in the conjunctival sac, an non-irritating wash solution such as saline or 3% boric acid solution can be used for washing one to two times a day, to clear the secretions from the conjunctival sac. Care should be taken to avoid the washing solution from entering the healthy eye to prevent cross-infection.

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Ophthalmology
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What are the symptoms of conjunctivitis?

According to the onset speed of conjunctivitis, it can be divided into hyperacute conjunctivitis, acute or subacute conjunctivitis, and chronic conjunctivitis. The symptoms of conjunctivitis mainly include foreign body sensation, burning sensation, itching eyes, photophobia, tearing, and significant signs include conjunctival congestion, edema, increased secretions, papillary hyperplasia, follicles, pseudomembranes and true membranes, granuloma, and so on.

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Can acute conjunctivitis cause facial swelling?

Acute conjunctivitis can possibly cause swelling of the eyelids and the face. Acute conjunctivitis is a common ophthalmic disease, usually caused by neglecting eye hygiene. For example, rubbing your eyes with dirty hands, washing your face with unclean water, and wiping your eyes with contaminated towels, tissues, or wet wipes can transfer viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens from the environment into the eyes, thereby causing infection and conjunctivitis. Inflammatory stimulation can cause reactive swelling of the skin adjacent to the eye. Conjunctivitis needs timely treatment with anti-infective eye drops to eliminate symptoms. For instance, bacterial infections can be treated with eye drops such as Levofloxacin Hydrochloride and Fusidic Acid, while viral infections can be treated with Ganciclovir and Acyclovir eye drops. (Please follow medical advice when using medications.)

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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.