Can acute conjunctivitis cause facial swelling?

Written by Tao Yuan
Ophthalmology
Updated on October 21, 2024
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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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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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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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Does conjunctivitis require infusion?

Generally, conjunctivitis does not require intravenous treatment. Treatment primarily focuses on targeting the cause and applying local medications, with systemic medication used when necessary. During the acute phase, it is crucial to avoid bandaging the affected eye. The most basic method of administering medication for conjunctivitis is through eye drops, along with the application of eye ointment before sleep. When there is substantial secretion in the conjunctival sac, it needs to be flushed. In severe cases of conjunctivitis, such as gonococcal conjunctivitis, systemic antibiotics are required in addition to local medications.

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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.

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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.