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What are the main harms caused by red eye disease?

Nov 19, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
Pink eye is usually conjunctivitis. The potential harms caused by conjunctivitis generally include temporary vision abnormalities, persistent eye discomfort, risk of disease transmission, possible development of ocular complications, and disruption of normal daily routines. Temporary vision abnormalities: during an episode of conjunctivitis, conjunctival congestion, swelling, or discharge adhering to the surface of the eye can lead to blurred or impaired vision.

Red eye is usually conjunctivitis. The potential harms of conjunctivitis generally include temporary vision abnormalities, persistent eye discomfort, risk of disease transmission, possible development of ocular complications, and disruption of daily routines. Specific details are as follows:

1. Temporary vision abnormalities: During an episode of conjunctivitis, conjunctival congestion, swelling, or discharge adhering to the surface of the eye can cause blurred or impaired vision. This reduces visual clarity during activities such as reading, writing, or driving, affecting the accuracy of daily tasks.

2. Persistent eye discomfort: Patients often experience symptoms such as itching, pain, foreign body sensation, light sensitivity (photophobia), and excessive tearing. These discomforts may repeatedly irritate the eyes, leading to unconscious eye rubbing, which further aggravates conjunctival damage and creates a cycle of worsening irritation, disrupting normal eye health.

3. Risk of disease transmission: Infectious conjunctivitis, caused by bacteria or viruses, can spread through contact with eye secretions or sharing towels, basins, and other personal items. It easily spreads in crowded environments such as households, schools, and workplaces, potentially infecting more people.

4. Possible ocular complications: If conjunctivitis is not treated promptly or properly managed, it may lead to complications such as keratitis, corneal ulcers, or chronic conjunctivitis. In severe cases, this can damage corneal tissue, affect long-term visual health, and increase treatment difficulty.

5. Disruption of daily life: Due to eye discomfort and the risk of contagion, patients may need to suspend work or study, stay at home for treatment, and make frequent medical visits. This not only interferes with personal schedules but may also delay progress in work or studies, leading to increased stress.

Daily attention should be paid to eye hygiene—avoid touching the eyes with hands, and use personal hygiene items separately. Once symptoms of conjunctivitis appear, seek medical care promptly to determine the type and receive proper treatment. Isolation measures should also be taken, avoiding crowded places to prevent spreading the infection.

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