How is conjunctival concretion (commonly called “eye stone”) treated?
Jan 05, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Shuai
Introduction
Removal of conjunctival concretions. If a patient’s conjunctival concretions remain untreated, ocular discomfort will persist and may even worsen over time. Therefore, once diagnosed with conjunctival concretions, the patient should visit a hospital to have a physician remove them—this is the most effective way to relieve eye discomfort.
Among ophthalmic conditions, conjunctival concretions (commonly referred to as “eye stones”) are relatively common. Although they typically have minimal impact on visual acuity, they can significantly affect daily life. Patients with conjunctival concretions often experience blurred vision, a persistent foreign-body sensation in the eye, and symptoms such as dryness and itching. Therefore, timely treatment of this condition is essential. Below, we outline effective treatment approaches for conjunctival concretions.
How Are Conjunctival Concretions Treated?
1. Removal of concretions. If conjunctival concretions remain untreated, patients will continue to experience ocular discomfort, which may progressively worsen. Thus, once diagnosed, patients should visit an ophthalmologist who can safely remove the concretions using specialized instruments. This procedure effectively alleviates discomfort. However, if the concretions are deeply embedded or difficult to access, surgical removal may be required.
2. Treatment of underlying ocular disease. Conjunctival concretions commonly develop secondary to chronic inflammatory conditions such as trachoma or persistent conjunctivitis. Even after successful removal of the concretions, it is crucial to treat the underlying ocular disease to prevent recurrence. Typically, topical antibiotics—such as rifampicin eye drops or tetracycline eye ointment—are prescribed to resolve the inflammation and infection effectively.
3. Regulating the Spleen Meridian (Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective). According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), conjunctival concretions are often attributed to wind pathogen invasion affecting the Spleen Meridian. Hence, following resolution of the acute ocular condition, patients may benefit from complementary TCM therapies—such as regular acupressure along the Spleen Meridian or appropriate herbal formulas aimed at dispelling wind and regulating Spleen function—to address the root internal imbalance and prevent recurrence.
After completing these three therapeutic steps—removal of concretions, treatment of underlying ocular disease, and systemic regulation—the symptoms of conjunctival concretions will resolve completely, and the underlying causative factors will be eliminated. Consequently, patients no longer need to worry about this condition. Nevertheless, even after successful treatment, continued eye care remains vital—adopting healthy visual habits and protective measures helps reduce the risk of future ocular disorders.
We hope the above information is helpful. Wishing you good health and happiness!
