Bacterial and Viral Pink Eye Differences and Visuals Compared
Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis, commonly known as "pink eye," are two types of eye infections that cause inflammation of the conjunctiva. While they share some similarities, they differ significantly in symptoms, causes, and treatment.
Symptoms
Bacterial conjunctivitis typically causes thick, pus-like discharge that is often yellow or green, along with red eyes. The discharge can cause the eyelids to stick together, especially after sleeping. It may involve one or both eyes.
On the other hand, viral conjunctivitis usually presents with watery or fluid-like discharge, redness, itching, swelling, and irritation. It often accompanies symptoms of a cold such as sore throat, runny nose, congestion, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. Viral conjunctivitis often affects both eyes and includes sensitivity to light.
Causes
Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by bacterial species such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae. It spreads through contact with contaminated objects or secretions and respiratory droplets.
Viral conjunctivitis is most commonly caused by viruses like adenovirus but can also be caused by herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus, coronavirus, and rubeola (measles virus). It is highly contagious and linked often to viral respiratory infections such as the common cold.
Treatment
Bacterial conjunctivitis requires antibiotic eye drops or ointments for treatment to clear the infection effectively. It usually resolves with treatment within a few days.
Viral conjunctivitis is usually self-limiting and does not respond to antibiotics. Treatment focuses on symptomatic relief (e.g., artificial tears, cold compresses). Some special viral causes like herpes simplex or varicella-zoster may require antiviral medications in oral or topical form.
Additional Points
Both types are highly contagious but have different typical discharge types: pus-like for bacterial; watery for viral. Viral conjunctivitis is often associated with systemic viral symptoms, while bacterial is more localized to the eye. Allergic and chemical conjunctivitis are other types that differ as they are not contagious and have different triggers and treatments.
In summary, bacterial conjunctivitis usually involves thick pus, requires antibiotics, and is caused by bacteria, whereas viral conjunctivitis presents with watery discharge, is often linked to a cold virus, is self-limited, and is treated symptomatically unless caused by herpes or varicella viruses warranting antivirals.
It is important to contact a healthcare professional if a person has any of the following eye symptoms: significant eye pain, vision problems, light sensitivity, difficulty opening the eye, large amounts of pus or mucus coming from the eyes, or severe redness or swelling of the eyes. Both types of conjunctivitis are highly contagious. Avoid sharing items that touch the eyes, such as towels, face cloths, pillows, or eye makeup, until the infection has completely cleared.
