New advances in the treatment of common conjunctivitis: A review

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Authors

, , ,
Zhiyun Xiao
ROR The Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University
ROR Zhenjiang Kangfu Eye Hospital
ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0007-3786-5322 (unauthenticated)
Nana Meng
ROR The Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University
ROR Zhenjiang Kangfu Eye Hospital
ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1835-255X (unauthenticated)
Min Zhou
ROR The Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University
ROR Zhenjiang Kangfu Eye Hospital
ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2012-5518 (unauthenticated)
Chunhe Shi (Corresponding Author)
ROR The Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University
ROR Zhenjiang Kangfu Eye Hospital
ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8177-8970 (unauthenticated)
[email protected]

Abstract

Background: The conjunctiva serves as a frontline mucosal and immunologic barrier, rendering it highly susceptible to infectious, allergic, and immune-mediated insults. Conjunctivitis remains the most common ocular surface disease globally, yet its clinical management is often challenged by diagnostic ambiguity, empirical treatments, and evolving pathogen resistance.

Objective: This review synthesizes recent advancements in the pharmacological management of conjunctivitis, with a focus on aligning therapeutic strategies to distinct etiologic subtypes: bacterial, viral, and allergic.

Methods: Evidence from randomized controlled trials, real-world clinical studies, and translational research published between 2010 and 2024 was critically reviewed. First-line pharmacotherapies and emerging treatment modalities were evaluated based on efficacy, safety, accessibility, and mechanism of action.

Results: Conventional topical therapies such as antibiotics, antihistamines, and corticosteroids remain central to treatment. However, biologics, immunomodulators, and antiseptic-antiviral combinations have expanded the therapeutic landscape, particularly in refractory or high-severity cases. Innovations in drug delivery systems and immune-targeted agents show promise but require further validation.

Conclusion: Optimal conjunctivitis management demands precision diagnosis, stratified treatment selection, and vigilance against overtreatment. Integrating traditional medicine within evidence-based frameworks and ensuring equitable access to novel therapies especially in resource-limited settings represent critical frontiers for future research and policy reform.

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Xiao Z, Meng N, Zhou M, Shi C. New advances in the treatment of common conjunctivitis: A review. Health Nexus. 2025;1:22-30. doi:10.63802/healthnexus.V1.2025.150

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Issue Vol. 1 (2025): Foundations of Integrative Medical Dialogue: Bridging Systems, Cultures, and Sciences
Pages22-30
Published2025-11-15
DOI10.63802/healthnexus.V1.2025.150
SectionReview Articles
EISSN3053-7037
AccessOpen Access
Keywords
Conjunctivitis Ophthalmic pharmacotherapy Antihistamines Immunomodulators Biologics Evidence-based medicine
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Copyright (c) 2025 © The authors. This article is published by Health Nexus: Interdisciplinary Medical Research Journal under the CC BY 4.0 license. The authors retain copyright, and the journal holds the right of first publication.

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