An office visit is usually not needed.Rarely, your doctor may take a sample of the liquid that drains from your eye for laboratory analysis (culture). Bacterial conjunctivitis is common in adults and is usually caused by staphylococcus and streptococcus bacteria. It features redness of eye, excessive tearing, pain, blurring of vision, and yellowish discharge. Children and the elderly are more at risk of a bacterial conjunctivitis. If you're a practitioner, we recommend that you use this information, following a suitable examination, to reinforce advice given to the patient who has symptoms of bacterial or viral conjunctivitis. The most common cause of infectious conjunctivitis is viral, responsible for up to 80% of acute cases of conjunctivitis. Compare the Difference Between Similar Terms. [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 is caused by viral species. Chemicals cause irritation if they get into the eye accidentally. Usually it starts on one side and spreads to the other. Antibiotics, delivered in eye drop or ointment form, are a common course of treatment. It is the most common cause of red eye. Findings: Viral conjunctivitis is the most common overall cause of infectious conjunctivitis and usually does not require treatment; the signs and symptoms at presentation are variable. Conjunctivitis is an infection which affects the thin layer of tissue that covers part of the front of the eye and the inside of the eyelids (conjunctiva). Privacy policy, Bacterial conjunctivitis normally causes a yellow or green sticky discharge, Viral conjunctivitis normally causes a watery discharge, Wash your hands before and after cleaning your eyelids, Rub the moistened pad or cotton wool ball firmly but gently along the eyelid edges to remove the crusts, Take care to wipe between the eyelashes of both the upper and lower lids, Use a fresh pad or wipe each time and do not use the same pad for the other eye as this may spread the infection, Dry your eyes gently. All rights reserved. If it's a bacterial infection you might be prescribed antibiotics. It starts in one eye and usually spreads to the other within a week. Therefore, it accompanies common cold, sinusitis, and throat inflammation. 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. While these organisms cause more redness, Chlamydia does not cause much redness. Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause conjunctivitis. There are certain infections that can be either bacterial or viral and they include middle ear infections, conjunctivitis, bronchitis, and sinus infections. Allergic conjunctivitis. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy: Legal. It may also accompany upper respiratory infections that are viral in nature, including the common cold and flu. Bacterial conjunctivitis is the second most common cause of infectious conjunctivitis, with most uncomplicated cases resolving in … If you are experiencing allergic conjunctivitis, we have produced a separate leaflet on this. Viral pink eye is characterized by watery eyes, itchiness and sensitivity to light. Antibiotics, delivered in eye drop or ointment form, are a common course of treatment. I usually will have much more swelling, pus in the cul de sac, and much crusting and debris. 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