What happens if pink eye treatment is delayed?

Pink eye (infectious conjunctivitis) is a common disease, often breaking out into epidemics during the change of seasons or when the weather is hot, humid, and rainy. The disease is spread through direct contact with an infected person’s secretions or handling intermediate objects.

According to MSc. Nguyen Tra Thao Nhi, High-Tech Eye Center, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, many people think that pink eye is a benign disease that can go away on its own after 7-14 days, so treatment is slow. Some cases come to the doctor when the disease has become severe, the eyes are swollen, there is severe pain and vision begins to decline. Some harmful effects due to delayed treatment of pink eye include the appearance of pseudomembranes, keratitis, conjunctival scarring…

The Pediatrician explains that some causes of conjunctivitis can cause pseudomembranes or true membranes in the palpebral conjunctiva. This membrane reduces the effectiveness of treatment, can cause scarring after the disease is over, and if severe, can lead to entropion, causing eyelid shrinkage and prolonged burning. When viruses or bacteria attack strongly or the patient rubs their eyes too much causing scratches, the cornea (irris) is easily damaged. If not treated promptly, the ulcers leave permanent corneal scars, causing blurred vision, glare, and even blindness if the cornea is perforated.

When having eye pain, some people have the habit of self-medicating and buying eye drops. Some types contain corticosteroids, which can quickly reduce red eye symptoms, but if used incorrectly, they will create conditions for the virus to grow stronger, increasing the risk of glaucoma and cataracts later.

Pediatricians note that not all red eye symptoms are benign. Some serious diseases such as uveitis, severe keratitis or acute angle-closure glaucoma… can start with red eyes with pain, glare, and blurred vision. Therefore, delaying an eye examination can cause you to miss the “golden” time for treatment.

When symptoms of pink eye appear such as redness, swelling, and a lot of crust, the patient needs to go to an Ophthalmologist for examination, appropriate treatment, and minimize complications as well as the risk of spread.