Conjunctivitis can also occur from allergies and chemical irritants, so it is best to have your eyes examined by an eye doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. The conjunctiva is the thin membrane that covers the white part of
the eye. When bacteria or viruses enter the eye, it causes inflammation of the tiny blood vessels in the conjunctiva, giving a pink or red appearance to the eyes. While bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are both referred to as ‘pink eye’, each present with different symptoms and require different treatment methods. Since
infectious conjunctivitis is highly contagious, it is important to have your eyes examined by an eye doctor as soon as symptoms appear to receive an effective treatment plan. Bacterial conjunctivitis accounts for over 1 million primary care visits in the US
each year. Bacterial conjunctivitis is most commonly caused by staphylococcal, streptococcus or hemophilic bacteria. This type of conjunctivitis usually affects only one eye, but can be present in both eyes. Common symptoms of bacterial eye infection include: Treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis generally involves antibiotic eye drops or ointments to eliminate the infection. SEE RELATED: Why Do My Eyes Feel
Sore? If you have ‘pink eye’, schedule an eye appointment with an eye doctor near you as soon as possible. Find an eye doctor near youWhat is viral conjunctivitis?Viral conjunctivitis is the most common type of pink eye, accounting for over 80% of all conjunctivitis infections, and almost 5 million annual cases in the US alone. Viral conjunctivitis typically affects both eyes and usually accompanies a cold, sore throat, runny nose or fever. Common symptoms include:
Viral conjunctivitis generally resolves on its own within three to seven days, without any treatment. Placing cold compresses on your eyes and applying artificial tears eye drops can help to alleviate your symptoms as the virus makes its way out of your system. Once the eyes have stopped tearing, you are no longer contagious. Be sure to inform your eye doctor if symptoms persist after a few days. Is it safe to wear contact lenses with conjunctivitis?No. It is not safe to wear contact lenses with any type of conjunctivitis, as germs can remain on the surfaces of your lenses and reinfect your eyes. If you wore disposable contact lenses while your eyes were infected, resume contact lens wear with a fresh pair— but only after you have completed your antibiotics or have been given approval by your eye doctor. How can I prevent pink eye from spreading to other family members?Being careful with personal hygiene is the best way to protect your family members. Wash your hands frequently, avoid sharing pillows and sheets and refrain from touching your eyes as much as possible! LEARN MORE: Guide to Eye Conditions ‘Pink eye’ can be highly contagious, schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near you as soon as you notice any symptoms. Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are both referred to as ‘pink eye’, but each present with different symptoms and require different treatment methods. Infectious conjunctivitis is highly contagious, so have your eyes examined by an eye doctor as soon as symptoms appear to receive an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.  Conjunctivitis and Viral Conjunctivitis - What it is
Conjunctivitis refers to inflammation of the thin, translucent tissue (the “conjunctiva”) that lines the white part of the eye. When the term conjunctivitis is used, it usually refers to “pink eye” or “sore eyes” – an infection of the conjunctiva due to a virus, or less commonly, due to bacteria. This is typically an acute infection associated with flu-like symptoms and is extremely contagious. Fortunately, viral conjunctivitis will commonly recover on its own, although this may take anywhere from one to three weeks. Other common cause of conjunctivitis may include:
Conjunctivitis and Viral Conjunctivitis - SymptomsYou may experience one or more of the following symptoms :
Conjunctivitis and Viral Conjunctivitis - How to prevent?To prevent the spread of viral conjunctivitis:
Conjunctivitis and Viral Conjunctivitis - Causes and Risk FactorsConjunctivitis and Viral Conjunctivitis - DiagnosisDiagnosis of viral conjunctivitis is usually made by a family doctor or eye doctor based on the typical symptoms and an eye examination. If the conjunctivitis does not recover, or recurs often, then an eye examination by an ophthalmologist is required to diagnose other forms of conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis and Viral Conjunctivitis - TreatmentsTreatment is usually symptomatic, to reduce the itch and discharge until the eye recovers. Antibiotic eye drops may sometimes be prescribed if bacterial conjunctivitis is suspected. Conjunctivitis and Viral Conjunctivitis - Preparing for surgeryConjunctivitis and Viral Conjunctivitis - Post-surgery careConjunctivitis and Viral Conjunctivitis - Other InformationHow do you know if your pinkeye is viral or bacterial?Eye doctors have a few tricks. Viral pink eye usually starts in one eye following a cold or respiratory infection and causes watery discharge. Bacterial pink eye can affect one or both eyes and usually starts with a respiratory or ear infection. The discharge tends to be thick and makes the eyes stick together.
How do you know what type of pink eye you have?Pink eye signs and symptoms. Viral pink eye tends to cause a thin, watery eye discharge. ... . Bacterial pink eye typically has a thicker, stickier eye discharge that can be yellow or green. ... . Allergic conjunctivitis usually causes the eyes to be extra watery or teary, but it may also cause some watery discharge. ... . Viral.. Bacterial.. What are the symptoms of bacterial pink eye?Symptoms. Pink or red color in the white of the eye(s). Swelling of the conjunctiva (the thin layer that lines the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelid) and/or eyelids.. Increased tear production.. Feeling like a foreign body is in the eye(s) or an urge to rub the eye(s). Itching, irritation, and/or burning.. Will bacterial pink eye go away on its own?Bacterial Conjunctivitis
It often improves in 2 to 5 days without treatment but can take 2 weeks to go away completely. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic, usually given topically as eye drops or ointment, for bacterial conjunctivitis.
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How to know if pink eye is bacterial or viral
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