How to distinguish between viral conjunctivitis and allergic conjunctivitis?

Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
Updated on March 20, 2025
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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.)

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Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
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Does conjunctivitis require a dietary restriction?

When we look at our phones and computers for long periods, it can lead to conjunctivitis due to eye strain. Among conjunctivitis cases, allergic conjunctivitis is the most common, especially during the spring and autumn seasons when symptoms like itchy eyes often occur. During such times, it is best to avoid spicy, irritating foods and seafood, as consuming these can exacerbate the itching. Additionally, if it is bacterial conjunctivitis, it is also recommended to limit the intake of spicy and irritating foods.

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Ophthalmology
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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.

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Ophthalmology
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How long does it take for conjunctivitis to heal?

Conjunctivitis can be categorized by the speed of onset into hyperacute, acute or subacute, and chronic. Depending on the severity of the condition, it can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Acute conjunctivitis is usually self-limiting, with the condition lasting 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.

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Ophthalmology
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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.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng
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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.