How many days does it take to recover from conjunctivitis?
Disease description:
My eyes are red with excessive discharge, and I have been diagnosed with conjunctivitis (pink eye). May I ask how long it generally takes to recover? Do I need to continue medication throughout the course of the illness?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Shuai
Conjunctivitis, medically known as red eye disease, is a common eye condition primarily characterized by symptoms such as redness of the eyes, increased secretions, foreign body sensation, and a feeling of burning. The recovery time varies depending on the cause and individual differences.
Generally, most patients can recover within one to two weeks with effective treatment. If the condition is severe or treatment is delayed, the recovery period may extend to two to three weeks, or even longer.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by bacterial infections, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, etc. With appropriate treatment, symptoms can significantly improve within 3-5 days. However, it is essential to complete the full course of antibiotic treatment as prescribed by a physician to prevent recurrence and complications.
Allergic conjunctivitis is triggered by exposure to allergens such as pollen or dust mites. Symptoms can rapidly subside once the allergen is removed, but the condition tends to recur easily. Treatment includes the use of antihistamines, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or topical corticosteroid eye drops, with the specific course determined according to the severity of the condition.
Patients should all maintain personal hygiene, avoid rubbing their eyes with their hands, and refrain from sharing items such as towels and pillows to prevent cross-infection.
