Symptoms and Diagnosis
Common symptoms of conjunctivitis:
- Redness of the white part of one or both eyes
- Watery or sticky discharge
- Crusting of eyelids, especially after sleep
- Itching (particularly allergic type)
- Gritty or foreign body sensation
- Light sensitivity (photophobia) in some cases
- Mild eye pain or discomfort
Diagnosis at a Japanese eye clinic:
An ophthalmologist (眼科医, *gankāi*) will typically:
- Take a detailed history of symptom onset and character
- Examine the eye with a slit lamp (細隙灯顕微鏡)
- Check visual acuity
- In suspected viral cases, a rapid adenovirus antigen test (アデノウイルス迅速検査) may be performed — Japan widely uses this test
- Swab cultures are taken if antibiotic-resistant bacterial infection is suspected
Treatment in Japan
Viral conjunctivitis:
No antiviral specifically targets adenovirus conjunctivitis. Treatment is supportive:
- Artificial tears / lubricating eye drops (人工涙液, *jinkō ruieki*) for comfort
- Cool compresses to reduce inflammation
- Avoid touching eyes; wash hands frequently
- Some Japanese ophthalmologists prescribe mild steroid eye drops to reduce inflammation (only appropriate in certain cases — follow doctor's instructions)
Bacterial conjunctivitis:
- Antibiotic eye drops are prescribed — common options in Japan include levofloxacin (クラビット点眼薬), ofloxacin (タリビッド点眼薬), or chloramphenicol
- Most bacterial conjunctivitis resolves within 5–7 days of treatment
- Complete the full course even if symptoms improve early
Allergic conjunctivitis:
- Antihistamine eye drops (抗ヒスタミン点眼薬) — available both OTC and prescription strength in Japan
- Cromolyn sodium (sodium cromoglycate) drops for prevention
- Oral antihistamines complement eye drops for severe cases
- Remove yourself from the allergen trigger environment when possible
Over-the-counter eye drops available in Japan:
Japanese pharmacies carry an extensive range of OTC eye drops. Popular brands include:
- Rohto (ロート): wide range including cooling drops, antihistamine drops for allergy
- Sante (参天製薬): multiple formulations including allergy relief
- Mytear: artificial tear formulations
Note: OTC eye drops in Japan often contain preservatives and vasoconstrictors. While convenient for mild symptoms, they are not substitutes for medical treatment of confirmed conjunctivitis.
Which Department to Visit and How to Find a Clinic
- 眼科 (Ganka) — Ophthalmology: the correct department for all conjunctivitis concerns
- Eye clinics (眼科クリニック) are very common in Japan; most neighborhoods have at least one
Contact lens wearers: Remove contact lenses immediately when conjunctivitis is suspected and do not reinsert until the infection has fully resolved and cleared by a doctor. Using lenses during conjunctivitis can worsen infection and risk serious corneal damage.
Use Traveler's Hospital to find English-speaking ophthalmology clinics near your location in Japan.
Cost Estimate
Hygiene and Preventing Spread
Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are contagious. During your time in Japan as a traveler, take these precautions:
- Wash hands frequently, especially after touching your eyes or face
- Do not share towels, pillowcases, or eye drops with others
- Avoid touching your eyes in crowded places like trains and tourist sites
- Dispose of tissues immediately after use
- Disinfect surfaces you regularly touch (phone screen, sunglasses, door handles)
- Wear glasses instead of contact lenses until fully healed
Japanese Phrases to Use at the Clinic
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I buy antibiotic eye drops over the counter in Japan?
A: Prescription-strength antibiotic eye drops require a doctor's prescription in Japan. However, some OTC formulations with mild antiseptic or anti-inflammatory properties are available at pharmacies. For confirmed bacterial conjunctivitis, see an ophthalmologist for an appropriate prescription.
Q: How long does pink eye last in Japan?
A: Viral conjunctivitis typically lasts 1–2 weeks and resolves on its own. Bacterial conjunctivitis usually improves within 5–7 days with antibiotic treatment. Allergic conjunctivitis persists as long as the allergen exposure continues. EKC (epidemic keratoconjunctivitis) can last 3–4 weeks.
Q: Is pink eye common in Japan during cherry blossom season?
A: Allergic conjunctivitis is extremely common during spring in Japan. Cedar pollen peaks in February–April, overlapping with cherry blossom season. If you have known pollen allergies, bring antihistamine eye drops and consider starting them before symptoms appear.
Q: Can I swim with conjunctivitis in Japan?
A: No. Swimming with conjunctivitis — especially in public pools, onsen, or the ocean — is strongly inadvisable. It risks spreading the infection to others and potentially worsening your condition. Many Japanese public pools require visitors to refrain from entering with any visible eye redness or discharge.
Q: Do Japanese pharmacies sell eye drops that could help my conjunctivitis?
A: Japanese pharmacies have extensive OTC eye drop selections. Allergy-specific drops containing antihistamines (e.g., Rohto Allergy) can help with allergic conjunctivitis. However, for viral or bacterial conjunctivitis, OTC drops primarily provide symptom relief and do not treat the underlying cause — a clinic visit is recommended.
Q: When should I see an emergency doctor for conjunctivitis?
A: Seek urgent care if you experience: sudden severe pain in the eye, significant vision loss or blurring, eye injury preceding the redness, clouding of the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye), or symptoms that are rapidly worsening. These may indicate more serious conditions than simple conjunctivitis.