Red itchy eyes which may be sticky in consistency are a symptom of many different causes which include bacterial conjunctivitis. In this condition bacteria infect the conjunctiva which is the thin membrane that covers the white of the eye and inner surface of the eyelid. While many cases are of a mild nature proper treatment is important for management of bacterial conjunctivitis as symptoms may present similarly with viral or allergic conjunctivitis. Also early evaluation is important in identifying infections which may require prompt medical attention.
What Is Bacterial Conjunctivitis?
Red itchy eyes which may be sticky in consistency are a symptom of many different causes which include eye bacterial conjunctivitis. In this condition bacteria infect the conjunctiva which is the thin membrane that covers the white of the eye and inner surface of the eyelid. While many cases are of a mild nature proper treatment is important for bacterial conjunctivitis as symptoms may present similarly with viral or allergic conjunctivitis. Also early evaluation is important in identifying infections which may require prompt medical attention.
Proper management of bacterial conjunctivitis is based on the severity of the case, presented symptoms, age of the patient and what is the likely cause. Also because different types of conjunctivitis may present in the same way, an eye exam may be useful before starting bacterial conjunctivitis treatment.
Common Symptoms of Bacterial Conjunctivitis
A red or pink color of the eye is a very common sign. Also many see thick discharge which at times causes the eyelids to stick together especially upon waking. Swelling, irritation, burning and a gritty sensation may also present. These features are useful in which an ophthalmologist will use to distinguish between bacterial and other types of eye bacterial conjunctivitis.
According to the CDC bacterial conjunctivitis presents in forms of purulent discharge, eyelid swelling and pain. Also some patients report reduced vision. Proper care of a case of management of bacterial conjunctivitis begins with the identification of symptoms and watch for warning signs.
| Feature | What a Patient May Notice |
| Eye redness | Pink or red appearance of the eye |
| Discharge | Thick or pus-like discharge |
| Eyelid crusting | Eyelids may stick together after sleep |
| Irritation | Burning, discomfort or gritty feeling |
| Swelling | Puffy or inflamed eyelids |
What Is Angular Bacterial Conjunctivitis?
Angular bacterial conjunctivitis mainly affects the edges of the eyelids at the eyes’ corners. It has had a traditional association with bacteria like Moraxella. Patients may see redness and irritation which present near the corner of the eyes.
Because of the similarity between symptoms of angular bacterial conjunctivitis and other eye and eyelid issues, self diagnosis may lead to wrong treatment. An ophthalmologist is able to do an eye exam and will put forward the right bacterial eye infection treatment when it is needed.
Management of Bacterial Conjunctivitis
management of bacterial conjunctivitis varies between patients. Mild bacterial conjunctivitis may run its course without antibiotics. CDC reports that in mild cases antibiotics are not required which is also a reason to not use them, though a doctor may still choose to prescribe topical antibiotics in certain situations. Antibiotics may shorten the infection, reduce complications and control transmission in appropriate cases.
When it is appropriate to use antibiotics, bacterial conjunctivitis treatment usually includes a prescription of eye drops or ointment. As per eye doctor’s advice patients should use these medications exactly as prescribed. Use of left over antibiotic drops or some other person’s medication is not recommended.
Good hygiene plays a key role in the management of bacterial conjunctivitis. Do not rub infected eyes and wash your hands before and at the time of touching the eye area. Contact lens users should discontinue use of their lenses during an active infection and to see an eye care provider before resuming. The CDC reports that contact lens wearers with bacterial conjunctivitis have a higher risk of bacterial keratitis and should have prompt ophthalmic evaluation.
| Situation | Usual Approach |
| Mild infection | Monitoring and supportive care as advised |
| Significant bacterial infection | Doctor-prescribed antibiotic drops or ointment |
| Contact lens wearer | Stop lenses and seek prompt eye evaluation |
| Severe pain or reduced vision | Urgent ophthalmologist assessment |
| Persistent symptoms | Reassessment to confirm the cause |
How Can Bacterial Conjunctivitis Be Prevented?
Prevention is a key component of management of bacterial conjunctivitis which has a tendency to spread easily. We see to it that our hands are washed well and out of which we don’t touch the eyes especially with unwashed hands. Do not share towels, pillowcases, cosmetics, eye drops, and contact lens equipment.
The CDC also reports that eye discharges be wiped away with clean substances and that hands be washed before and after putting in eye medication. These practices which in turn may reduce the spread of eye bacterial conjunctivitis to family members, classmates or colleagues.
When Should You Visit an Eye Doctor?
Seek medical care if redness becomes severe or symptoms continue to get worse. Eye pain, light sensitivity and blurred vision are serious indicators. Timely assessment allows the ophthalmologist to determine if routine bacterial conjunctivitis treatment is right or if it is a different condition which is causing the symptoms.
Professional assessment is very much so when bacterial eye infection treatment does not see the expected improvement. Severe or quickly progressing bacterial conjunctivitis at times may threaten the cornea and vision, so persistent symptoms should not be put aside
Conclusion
Most bacterial conjunctivitis cases do respond well to treatment which is why it is important to identify the cause. In terms of management of bacterial conjunctivitis we see that what works best is an accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment and good hygiene. Should you experience redness, discharge or irritation which does not improve with time, or if you develop pain, light sensitivity or changes in vision which did not previously exist, we ask that you come in for an evaluation at ASG Eye Hospital rather than reaching for over the counter medication.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is bacterial conjunctivitis contagious?
Yes. Eye bacterial conjunctivitis is transmitted via infected hands, eye discharges and objects. Thus proper hygiene plays a key role in the management of bacterial conjunctivitis.
2. Does bacterial conjunctivitis always need antibiotics?
No. Some mild infections will go away without antibiotics. As for eye care issues we see to it that in the case of significant discharge, when certain bacterial conjunctivitis treatment are at play or other clinical signs present that we suspect bacteria we will put in a treatment.
3. How long does bacterial conjunctivitis last?
The CDC reports that which may be the case for mild bacterial pink eye is that it will run its course in 2 to 5 days without intervention but full resolution may take up to 2 weeks.
4. Can I wear contact lenses with bacterial conjunctivitis?
Contact lenses should be removed during an infection. Also it is recommended that you see a professional as there is an increased risk of bacterial keratitis.
5. Is angular bacterial conjunctivitis different from regular conjunctivitis?
Angular bacterial conjunctivitis is a type of conjunctivitis which presents with inflammation at the corners of the eye. An ophthalmic exam may also be done to tell it apart from other eye surface issues and to determine bacterial eye infection treatment.
