Bacterial conjunctivitis may improve after three or four days of treatment, but patients need to take the entire course of antibiotics to prevent a recurrence. Lymphadenopathy is more prevalent in viral conjunctivitis (occurs in up to 50% of cases) than bacterial conjunctivitis [Azari, 2013]. “Viral (conjunctivitis) tends to be more commonly bilateral, though it can be in one eye,” says Dr. Kamran Riaz, an ophthalmologist and clinical associate professor of ophthalmology at the Dean McGee Eye Institute at the University of Oklahoma. Discharge in Bacterial Conjunctivitis: The discharge in Bacterial Conjunctivitis is purulent in nature and contains pus. There are certain symptoms that are common among both Bacterial as well as Viral Conjunctivitis and these symptoms are redness and tearing of the eyes, irritation, burning, light sensitivity or discomfort in the eyes. Michael O. Schroeder has been a health editor at U.S. News since 2015. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children in U.S. public schools miss 3 million schools days each year due to pink eye. Viral conjunctivitis spreads from nose to eyes usually transmitted by a virus. It usually clears up within a matter of days to two weeks. Additionally, in infectious conjunctivitis, general signs of viral or bacterial infection (e.g., fever) may be seen, while itching is particularly common in allergic conjunctivitis. Such eye drops/ointments have antibiotic properties.The application of the antibiotics is done on the insides of the eye lids at least three to four times in a day. The symptoms of a bacterial conjunctivitis are very similar to a viral conjunctivitis. Viral pink eye is characterized by watery eyes, itchiness and sensitivity to light. Kadakkal Radhakrishnan, M.D.Jan. Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is inflammation of the outermost layer of the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelid. That’s important to note, experts say, because research indicates that often antibiotics are prescribed to treat pinkeye when that isn’t the right approach – like when the conjunctivitis is, in fact, viral. However, the discharge is completely different in Bacterial & Viral Conjunctivitis. In other cases, chemicals in the environment – outside or in the home, from air pollution to eye makeup – may be to blame. Species: Bacterial species include staphylococcus, streptococcus, nesseria, hemophilus, Proteus and klebsiella. Viral conjunctivitis usually begins with one eye and then spreads to the other eye. Steroids, however, don’t shorten the course of the disease and could actually prolong it. Whether they indicate you have conjunctivitis or something else entirely, clinicians stress that worries about vision or other eye symptoms shouldn’t be overlooked. But the majority of the estimated 3 million to 6 million case of conjunctivitis that occur annually in the U.S. are infectious. The distinctions aren’t merely a way to categorize the infection either. Viral the most frequent form is most prevalent during the summer. Instead, see an eye doctor if you have worsening symptoms or other concerns. Things like mold and pollen may trigger it in seasonal allergy sufferers, for example. You can catch the bacterial pink eye if you touch your eyes with dirty hands or use makeup contaminated with bacteria. Bacterial conjunctivitis usually causes substantial amounts of thick eye discharge that may be white, yellow, or green.3 Viral conjunctivitis, on the other hand, usually causes a thinner discharge that may be clear, slightly white, or pink. “You can do something like a cool compress – a washcloth in cold water – just for comfort. 6 Strategies for Breaking the Stigma of Living With an STD. Viral species include adenovirus, picovirus, measles and chicken pox virus. Antibiotics, delivered in eye drop or ointment form, are a common course of treatment. With both bacterial and viral conjunctivitis, it is not uncommon to have your eye stuck shut after closing it for a time. Usually, Viral Conjunctivitis starts in one eye and then spreads to the other eye. Therefore, the discharge of bacterial conjunctivitis is thicker than the discharge of viral conjunctivitis. In some cases, pinkeye may result from an allergic reaction. Perhaps the most important distinction between bacteria and viruses is that antibiotic drugs usually kill bacteria, but they aren't effective against viruses. There are certain symptoms that are common among both Bacterial as well as Viral Conjunctivitis and these symptoms are redness and tearing of the eyes, irritation, burning, light sensitivity or discomfort in the eyes. The infection may have spread in the eye beyond the conjunctiva or you may be experiencing another health issue that could threaten sight. “But much like the common cold, there’s just so much that goes into it as far as different strains and how viruses change every year that it would take a lot of work to get there – to have a drop that would fix pinkeye.”. Pharmaceutical advances, such as the new Biogen drug, and a move toward more personalized medications promise better treatment of Alzheimer’s. Types: Chronic bacterial conjunctivitis is most commonly caused by Staphylococcus species, although other bacteria are occasionally involved. “There could be treatment in the future for (viral) pinkeye,” Khandelwal says. Other classic features are burning, foreign body sensation, excessive tearing, and photophobia. Some urinary health problems require immediate attention. Viral pink eye is usually associated with a clear, watery discharge, while bacterial pink eye usually comes with a yellow or greenish discharge that’s thicker and more mucus-like. What Is The Difference Between Paraganglioma & Pheochromocytoma? Instead, experts note, it’s important to know what causes pinkeye to determine how to treat it – or if it needs to be treated at all. There are mainly the viral and the bacterial conjunctivitis, which affect dominantly, and it is important to understand the basic differences between these two types of infection to make sure that the diagnosis and the treatment are on point. A person may develop pinkeye when genital fluids like semen come in direct contact with the eye or through indirect contact, like touching the eye after sex. No eye drops or ointments are effective against the common viruses that cause viral conjunctivitis. Whereas, if the patient is suffering from Bacterial Conjunctivitis, then topical antibiotics are prescribed to fight the infection and cure Bacterial Conjunctivitis. As with the common cold, there’s no proven cure for viral conjunctivitis. Pain, burning, scratchiness, or itchiness may occur. Conjunctivitis: Bacterial, viral, allergic and other types By Marilyn Haddrill; contributions and review by Charles Slonim, MD Conjunctivitis (or pink eye) is the inflammation of the conjunctiva - the transparent mucous membrane which covers the white part of the eye. The cause of such an infection can either be infectious or non-infectious. Swelling of the white part of the eye may also occur. Viral Conjunctivitis is most common Conjunctivitis cause (80% of cases) Typically spread by contaminated hands; Viral sources can survive on fomites for up to 72 hours; Common cause of Swimming Pool Conjunctivitis. In fact, the adenovirus that causes cold symptoms is frequently to blame for viral pinkeye. “Conjunctivitis basically means inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the clear part that covers the white part of the eyes,” says Dr. Sumitra Khandelwal, an associate professor of ophthalmology at the Cullen Eye Institute within the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and medical director for the Lions Eye Bank of Texas. Topical antibiotic drops are usually prescribed along with steroid anti inflammatory medication to help fight this infection. Cause: Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by different bacteria. In addition to STDs being spread through sexual contact and ultimately leading to conjunctivitis, newborns may also get these type of pinkeye infections during delivery. The most common types of bacteria that causes Conjunctivitis include Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Corynebacterium, Haemophilus, Pseudomonas, and Moraxella species. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are both infectious types of conjunctivitis. The cause is likely allergic if. Infection of the eye caused by certain bacteria; Can be caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, or, less commonly, Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae ; Can be spread easily, especially with certain bacteria and in certain settings Bacteria. But it’s administered in the doctor’s office – it's not the same thing as buying betadine at your local pharmacy and applying to your eye yourself. Unlike with viral pinkeye, experts recommend treating bacterial conjunctivitis. Learn about symptoms, treatments and how to live well with this autoimmune disease. This article contains incorrect information. If you have viral pinkeye, there’s a good chance you’ll have it in both eyes. A history of recurrent itching or a personal or family history of hay fever, allergic rhinitis, asthma or atopic dermatitis is also suggestive of ocular allergy. However, experts caution that while primary care providers may be equipped to treat pinkeye, it's important to ensure the cause of conjunctivitis has been properly determined first. Viral pinkeye tends to go away on its own. Mostly commonly, bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by strains such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus and Haemophilus. “Patients may still have the virus in the eye for a longer period of time,” Riaz says. It is this infection that makes the eye extremely pink in color, which becomes its most noticeable symptom and thus the name ‘Pink Eye’. Unlike with viral pinkeye, experts recommend treating bacterial conjunctivitis. [1] Viral infections spread rapidly in daycares and schools from eye to hand to eye and, for that reason, many schools have adapted rigid exclusion policies that are not evidence-based. Viral conjunctivitis. The patient should complete the course of the medication even when the symptoms have been cured, to make sure that the bacteria have been completely eradicated. Viral vs Bacterial Pink Eye Both viruses and bacteria can cause pink eye. Questions Doctors Wish Their Patients Would Ask, U.S. News Best Diets: How We Rated 39 Eating Plans, The Best Diets to Prevent and Manage Diabetes, Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage: How to Choose, Best Insurance Companies for Medicare Advantage, Best Insurance Companies for Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, How U.S. News Picked the Best Insurance Companies for Medicare, Pharmacist-Recommended Cough, Cold and Allergy Medicines, Pharmacist-Recommended Stomach and GI Products, Pharmacist-Recommended Vitamins and Supplements, Risks, Signs of Infection, Protective Measures and More. Allergic conjunctivitis – conjunctivitis caused by allergies can be seasonal, occurring at certain times of the year (when due to pollen or grasses), or continuous or ongoing (when caused by allergens such as dust mite or pets). In case of extreme discomfort, eye drops might be prescribed to tone down the symptoms a notch, but a viral infection cannot be cured through medicines and will take its time to perish. 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