From the Guidelines
For viral conjunctivitis, the primary approach is supportive care focused on symptom relief, and specific topical antiviral treatments are generally not recommended or necessary, except in severe cases or for specific types of viral conjunctivitis, such as herpes simplex keratitis, where topical antivirals like ganciclovir 0.15% gel may be prescribed, as suggested by the most recent study 1.
Key Considerations
- The condition is typically self-limiting and resolves on its own within 1-2 weeks.
- Patients can use artificial tears (preservative-free if used frequently) 4-6 times daily to alleviate discomfort and lubricate the eye.
- Cold compresses applied to the eyes for 5-10 minutes several times a day can help reduce inflammation and provide relief.
- It's crucial for patients to practice good hygiene, including frequent hand washing and avoiding touching or rubbing the eyes, to prevent spread to the other eye or to other people.
Specific Topical Treatments
- For herpes simplex virus conjunctivitis, possible topical options include ganciclovir 0.15% gel used three to five times per day or trifluridine 1% solution five to eight times per day, as indicated by 1.
- Topical corticosteroids should be avoided in cases of herpes simplex virus conjunctivitis, as they can potentiate the infection, according to 1.
Follow-Up and Monitoring
- Patients should have a follow-up visit within 1 week of treatment, consisting of an interval history, visual acuity measurement, and slit-lamp biomicroscopy, as recommended by 1.
- Patients with severe disease or those prescribed prolonged topical corticosteroids should be monitored periodically for potential complications, such as glaucoma and cataract, as suggested by 1.
From the Research
Topical Treatment for Viral Conjunctivitis
- The treatment for viral conjunctivitis is generally supportive, with options including artificial tears, cold compresses, and antihistamine eye drops 2, 3.
- Trifluridine, an antiviral agent, has been shown to be effective in treating herpes simplex virus type 1, which can cause viral eye infections 4.
- A randomized clinical trial found that topical dexamethasone 0.1%/povidone-iodine 0.4% eye drops reduced the duration of presumed viral conjunctivitis compared to artificial tears, but caused more stinging 5.
- Topical corticosteroids, such as those combined with anti-infectives, may be a promising treatment option for acute conjunctivitis, but their use is generally recommended for severe cases due to potential risks 6.
Key Findings
- Supportive care options, such as artificial tears and antihistamine eye drops, are commonly used to treat viral conjunctivitis 2, 3.
- Antiviral agents, like trifluridine, may be effective in treating specific types of viral eye infections 4.
- Topical corticosteroids, including combination formulations, may be useful in treating acute conjunctivitis, but their use requires careful consideration of potential risks and benefits 5, 6.