Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is the inflammation of the conjunctiva. This thin membrane covers the white part of the eyeball and lines the inner eyelids. Although symptoms like redness and irritation are similar, pink eye is typically caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergens. Understanding the specific cause is important because the appropriate care and expected duration vary significantly between the infectious types. Differentiating between viral and bacterial forms is the first step toward effective management.
Key Differences in Symptoms
The primary distinction between the two infectious types lies in the nature of the eye discharge. Viral conjunctivitis typically produces a thin, watery discharge, often described as excessive tearing. This infection is frequently caused by adenoviruses, the same pathogens responsible for many common colds. Therefore, a person with viral pink eye may also experience cold or flu-like symptoms, such as a sore throat or runny nose.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is characterized by a thick, purulent discharge that appears yellow or greenish. This sticky discharge often causes the eyelids to crust over and stick together, particularly upon waking. The bacterial form may affect one or both eyes, while the viral type often begins in one eye before spreading to the other after a few days.
Comparing Severity and Duration
Viral conjunctivitis is more persistent, as it must run its course, similar to the common cold. Most cases clear up without specific treatment, but symptoms like redness and irritation can last for one to three weeks. In rare instances, inflammation can extend to the cornea, a condition called keratitis, which may cause temporary blurring of vision.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is often shorter-lived, especially when appropriate care is administered. Symptoms usually improve within 24 hours of starting antibiotic treatment. If left untreated, a mild bacterial case resolves on its own within ten days, though this is not recommended. Rare types of bacterial infections, such as hyperacute conjunctivitis, can progress rapidly and pose a serious threat to eye health, requiring immediate medical attention.
Specific Treatment Protocols
Management is determined by the infection’s origin, making a medical diagnosis necessary. For viral conjunctivitis, no specific medication eliminates the virus, so treatment focuses on supportive care. This involves using cool compresses to alleviate swelling and artificial tears to soothe dryness and irritation. Using antibiotic drops for a viral infection is ineffective and contributes to antibiotic resistance.
Treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis involves prescribed antibiotic eye drops or ointment. These medications quickly resolve the infection and shorten the illness duration. Patients must complete the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms clear up quickly, to ensure the infection is fully eradicated and prevent recurrence.
Contagiousness and Stopping the Spread
Both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are contagious, though they spread through slightly different mechanisms. Viral conjunctivitis is often transmitted easily through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, in addition to direct contact. It can spread rapidly through households and schools, remaining contagious for a week or two, or while discharge is present. Bacterial pink eye is contagious primarily through direct contact with infected eye discharge or contaminated surfaces.
Preventing the spread relies on meticulous hygiene practices. Frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water is the most effective measure. Individuals should avoid touching or rubbing their eyes and must not share personal items such as towels, washcloths, pillowcases, or eye makeup. Contact lens wearers should cease using their lenses until the infection has cleared and discard any lenses worn during the infection period.