Patient's question:
Main symptoms: Itchy, red, and swollen eyesOnset time: Yesterday
Laboratory test results:
Doctor's answer:
Disease Analysis:Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Characterized by significant conjunctival congestion and purulent discharge, accompanied by symptoms such as foreign body sensation, burning and stinging pain, and mild photophobia, but vision remains unaffected. The discharge may be blood-tinged, and a grayish-white film may be visible on the tarsal conjunctiva. This film can be wiped off with a cotton swab but tends to regenerate easily.
Viral Conjunctivitis: Characterized by conjunctival congestion and edema, with petechiae and watery or mucous discharge, accompanied by tearing and foreign body sensation. The cornea may be affected by fine white spots, impairing vision, or may cause enlargement and tenderness of the preauricular lymph nodes on the same side.
Guidance:
Due to the highly contagious nature of this condition, it can lead to widespread outbreaks. Therefore, personal hygiene, especially eye hygiene, should be paid close attention. When a family member has conjunctivitis, toiletries must be strictly separated. Patients should be reminded to administer antibiotic eye drops as prescribed by the doctor. Commonly used eye drops include 0.25% chloramphenicol, 0.5% neomycin, 0.1% rifampicin, or 10% Mucosan eye drops, administered every half hour. Before bed, an eye ointment can be applied to maintain prolonged efficacy. Hands should be washed before administering eye drops. For patients with excessive eye discharge, saline or 0.3% boric acid solution can be used to rinse the conjunctiva 2-3 times a day. Those sensitive to light may wear tinted glasses but should avoid covering the affected eye.
Lifestyle Care:
If acute conjunctivitis is not fully cured, it may progress to chronic conjunctivitis (or be caused by prolonged irritation from wind, dust, smoke, strong light, or irritating gases). In this case, alternating use of 0.5% zinc sulfate, sulfonamide, and other antibiotic eye drops may be recommended, along with attention to eye hygiene. For example, towels should be frequently boiled in hot water, and the eyes should not be rubbed with hands or dirty handkerchiefs.