Bacterial conjunctivitis

What is bacterial conjunctivitis?

Bacterial conjunctivitis is an eye infection caused by bacteria. Common culprits include Haemophilus influenza, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus. These bacteria inflame the tissue inside the eyelid and on the surface of the eye. ^[1]

Pink eye can cause itchy, watery eyes, a discharge of mucus, or a sticky coating on your eyelashes.

Who gets pink eye?

Pink eye is very common and can affect anyone. However, some people are more susceptible:

• Children: They are more likely to be exposed to infections at school.
• The elderly: Their weakened immune systems make them more vulnerable.
• People with weakened immune systems: Conditions like diabetes can increase risk.
• People taking steroids: These can also weaken the immune system.
• People with blepharitis: A condition that causes inflammation of the eyelids.

How can I prevent pink eye?

While it’s difficult to completely prevent pink eye, you can reduce your risk by:

• Practicing good hygiene: Wash your hands often, especially after touching your eyes.
• Cleaning your contact lenses: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Avoiding sharing personal items: Don’t share makeup, towels, or eye drops.
• Avoiding close contact with people who have pink eye.

What causes pink eye?

Pink eye can be caused by:

• Bacteria commonly found in ear and lung infections
• Bacteria that cause sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like gonorrhea or chlamydia

Eye infections come from different types of bacteria and can lead to a range of symptoms. For example, conjunctivitis caused by the Morax-Axenfeld diplobacilli bacteria often lasts longer than other bacterial conjunctivitis and may need additional treatment. However, most bacterial conjunctivitis cases are caused by bacteria similar to those responsible for respiratory infections.

There are also various types of conjunctivitis, such as allergic conjunctivitis, which can be triggered by:

• pollen
• dust mites
• contact lenses
• chlorinated pool water
• certain shampoos
• fumes or smoke
• stray eyelashes that rub against the conjunctiva (the tissue covering the white part of the eye and lining the inside of the eyelids)

What are the symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis?

Symptoms of an eye infection can vary depending on the cause. However, common signs of bacterial conjunctivitis include redness and swelling due to inflammation in the thin layer of cells covering the eye, and unusual discharge. Sometimes, people also experience a gritty or scratchy sensation. Symptoms typically start in one eye and spread to both eyes within a few hours.

Can bacterial conjunctivitis lead to complications?

Some forms of bacterial conjunctivitis can lead to serious issues if not treated. For instance, bacterial conjunctivitis from sexually transmitted infections, like chlamydia or gonorrhea, can threaten vision. Untreated infectious conjunctivitis can even result in meningitis or blood poisoning (septicemia). Another potential complication, bacterial keratitis (a bacterial infection of the cornea), can cause blindness if not treated. If you notice any changes in your vision, it’s crucial to contact a healthcare provider right away.