What Is Bacterial Conjunctivitis and How Is It Treated?

This condition is more commonly known as “pink eye.” Bacterial conjunctivitis is an eye infection caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pneumoniae. It’s also called bacterial pink eye and typically leads to eye discharge, redness, and itching.

Although it rarely causes complications or permanent damage to the eye, patients often complain of significant discomfort due to the symptoms. Pink eye occurs when there is inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva – the clear membrane that covers part of the white of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids.

The blood vessels in the eye also become inflamed and more visible, which makes the eye appear red. There are different types of conjunctivitis: viral conjunctivitis, bacterial conjunctivitis, and allergic conjunctivitis.

Conjunctivitis is a common eye problem that affects nearly six million people in the United States each year. Bacterial pink eye is the second most common type after viral conjunctivitis and accounts for about 50% to 75% of conjunctivitis cases in children. This type of pink eye is highly contagious and can spread through poor hygiene, direct contact with infected individuals, or insects.

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Symptoms of Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Bacterial conjunctivitis often affects both eyes at the same time and can cause the following symptoms:

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Depending on the cause, some patients may also experience additional symptoms such as eye pain and blurred or decreased vision.

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What Causes Bacterial Conjunctivitis?

The four most common bacteria that cause bacterial pink eye are Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is highly contagious and can spread from person to person. Hand-to-eye contact after touching contaminated objects, as well as changes in the normal bacterial flora that live on the conjunctiva, can trigger conjunctivitis.

Bacteria can also spread through large respiratory droplets. Contact lenses that are not properly cleaned and disinfected can likewise cause bacterial conjunctivitis. Less commonly, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can lead to this type of pink eye. These cases are usually caused by Chlamydia trachomatis (which causes chlamydia) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (which causes gonorrhea).

If a pregnant woman is infected, she can pass the bacteria to her baby during delivery, leading to neonatal conjunctivitis. Symptoms in the newborn can appear anytime within the first 14 days after birth.

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How Is Bacterial Conjunctivitis Diagnosed?

An ophthalmologist or primary care physician can usually determine what type of pink eye you have by asking about your medical history and symptoms and performing an eye examination. In some cases, they may be able to make a clinical diagnosis over the phone based on a detailed discussion of your symptoms.

Some of the tests a healthcare provider may use to determine the cause of pink eye include:

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How Is Bacterial Conjunctivitis Treated?

Most uncomplicated cases clear on their own within one to two weeks.

Antibiotic treatment is usually recommended if:

– Symptoms are severe or worsening  

– There is copious purulent (pus-like) discharge  

– The patient wears contact lenses  

– There is a suspected or confirmed STI-related eye infection  

– The patient is immunocompromised or at higher risk for complications  

In these situations, antibiotic eye drops or ointments are typically prescribed. With appropriate antibiotic therapy, symptoms may improve within a few days. When conjunctivitis is related to a sexually transmitted infection, your healthcare provider may prescribe oral antibiotics as well.

Azithromycin has been shown to be effective in treating chlamydial conjunctivitis, whereas gonococcal conjunctivitis is often treated with ceftriaxone. In cases of neonatal conjunctivitis, healthcare providers treat the infant immediately with erythromycin ophthalmic ointment.

To prevent the spread of bacterial pink eye and to speed recovery, people with this condition should avoid crowded places and stay home from school or work while they are symptomatic. They should also practice good hygiene by:

– Washing hands frequently with soap and water  

– Avoiding touching or rubbing the eyes  

– Using clean towels and tissues to wipe any discharge, then discarding them  

– Not sharing towels, washcloths, eye makeup, or eye drops  

– Regularly washing pillowcases and bedding  

If you wear contact lenses, your doctor will likely advise you to stop wearing them during the entire course of treatment. If you use rigid (hard) lenses, ask your doctor whether thorough disinfection is sufficient or if they should be replaced. Daily disposable lenses should be discarded and replaced with new ones after treatment is completed. Do not wear any lenses again until your infection has fully resolved.

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What Are the Complications of Bacterial Conjunctivitis?

Conservative measures at home are usually recommended initially. People often use over-the-counter artificial tears and lubricating ointments, along with warm compresses over the eyes, to help relieve the symptoms of bacterial pink eye.

You should see a doctor immediately if you develop symptoms that are not typical of simple pink eye, including:

– Moderate to severe eye pain  

– Marked sensitivity to light (photophobia)  

– Sudden changes in vision (blurred vision, decreased vision, or double vision)  

– A feeling that something is stuck in the eye that does not go away  

– Significant swelling around the eyes or eyelids  

– Fever or general feeling of being very unwell  

Complications from bacterial conjunctivitis are uncommon. However, severe infections can lead to keratitis (corneal inflammation), corneal ulceration and perforation, and even permanent vision loss or blindness. If you experience any of the warning signs mentioned above or notice changes in your vision, seek urgent medical attention.

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Whatever eye problems or vision issues you may be experiencing, this delicate medical condition requires a thorough examination and appropriate treatment from a skilled, experienced ophthalmologist using effective, modern medical tools that ensure the best possible outcome. Whatever eye disease you are dealing with, you can book an appointment at Batal Specialized Medical Complex for a comprehensive eye evaluation and to begin properly addressing your eye problems, no matter how complex they may be.