How to deal with acute conjunctivitis?

Written by Zheng Xin
Ophthalmology
Updated on April 07, 2025
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Acute conjunctivitis can also be called pink eye. It is an acute inflammatory reaction of the conjunctiva, mainly caused by bacterial infection, commonly by Staphylococcus aureus. The treatment mainly involves local anti-infection treatment, using antibiotic eye drops such as chloramphenicol eye drops, ofloxacin eye drops, or tobramycin eye drops. While using topical antimicrobial drugs, it is important to avoid rubbing the eyes with hands and avoid prolonged use of the eyes.

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Ophthalmology
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Can conjunctivitis be contagious?

Hyperacute bacterial conjunctivitis, acute or subacute bacterial conjunctivitis is highly contagious and requires isolation to prevent spread and epidemics. When one eye is infected, measures should be taken to prevent infection of the other eye. Strict attention should be paid to personal and communal hygiene, advocating frequent hand and face washing, and avoiding wiping eyes with hands or sleeves. Strict disinfection of face washing utensils, towels, and medical instruments used by the patient is also necessary.

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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
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.

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Written by Tao Yuan
Ophthalmology
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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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How to care for conjunctivitis?

Patients with conjunctivitis should eliminate the cause and undertake anti-infection treatment. If sensitive to light, wearing sunglasses can help reduce irritation from light. Strict attention must be paid to personal and collective hygiene. It is advocated to frequently wash hands and face, and avoid rubbing the eyes with hands or clothing. Patients need to be isolated to prevent contagion and stop the spread of infection. It is also important to strictly disinfect face-washing implements, hand towels, and items that have come into contact with the patient.