What is the difference between bacterial and viral conjunctivitis, and what are the effective treatment methods? Eye infections are a common problem that affects vision. Eye infections vary depending on the cause, as they can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Although they have similar symptoms, there are differences between them, which we will explore in the rest of the article. We will also discuss the symptoms of each and their effective treatment methods.
What is bacterial conjunctivitis
Bacterial conjunctivitis is an infection that affects various parts of the eye or surrounding tissues due to bacteria. It is characterized by symptoms such as eye redness, pain, eyelid swelling, and a thick yellow or green discharge. Common types include conjunctivitis and blepharitis. It is transmitted by touch or contaminated objects and is treated with topical antibiotics.
What is viral conjunctivitis
Viral conjunctivitis is a severe infection of the conjunctiva, causing red, itchy eyes and watery discharge. It may be accompanied by cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose or sore throat. It can be easily transmitted between people and is also known as pink eye.
Symptoms of Bacterial and Viral Conjunctivitis
Symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis include:
- Sensitivity to light.
- Severe eye redness.
- Thick, yellow or green eye discharge.
- Sensation of a foreign body in the eye.
- Stuck eyelids, especially after sleeping.
- Swelling of the eyelids.
- Itching and pain.
Symptoms of viral conjunctivitis include:
- Watery or clear mucus discharge from the eye.
- Scabs around the eyelids and eyelashes upon waking in the morning.
- Blurred vision.
- Redness and burning in the eye.
- Itching in the eye.
- Sensitivity to bright light.
- Swelling and redness of the eyelids.
Causes of Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Bacterial conjunctivitis occurs immediately as a result of a bacterial infection, and is often transmitted through touch. It can be caused by:
- Bacterial infections such as staphylococcal and streptococcal infections.
- Poor personal hygiene, such as touching the eye with unclean hands.
- Using contaminated contact lenses or lenses for prolonged periods.
Causes of Viral Conjunctivitis
- Viral conjunctivitis is primarily caused by various viruses, such as adenoviruses, which are responsible for the common cold and are the most common cause of viral conjunctivitis.
- Herpes simplex virus affects the cornea and causes vision problems.
- Varicella zoster virus is the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles and can cause keratitis.
What is the treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis
Bacterial conjunctivitis is primarily treated by a doctor prescribing antibiotics in the form of ointments and drops. Avoid touching or rubbing the eye, maintain eye hygiene, and ensure hands are washed before touching the eye.
Apply warm or cold compresses to relieve the discomfort. Avoid wearing contact lenses until fully healed. Avoid sharing towels or makeup to prevent the spread of infection.
Treatment of Viral Conjunctivitis
Treatment of viral conjunctivitis relies on alleviating symptoms by maintaining hand hygiene and keeping the area around the eye clean to prevent the spread of infection. Cold compresses and artificial tear drops can be used.
If the infection is caused by the herpes virus, the doctor will prescribe antiviral medications. Antibiotics are not effective in treating the viral infection itself, but the doctor prescribes them to prevent a secondary bacterial infection.
What is the difference between bacterial and viral conjunctivitis
Bacterial conjunctivitis is identified by thick, yellow, or green discharge and is treated with antibiotics prescribed by the treating physician.
Virgin conjunctivitis, on the other hand, is often caused by a virus and causes watery, clear discharge, redness, and itching. The doctor will prescribe moisturizing and antiviral eye drops.
Home Remedies to Relieve Eye Infection
To relieve the symptoms of viral and bacterial eye infections at home, follow these home care tips:
- Use cold eye compresses by placing a cloth soaked in cold water over the eye to reduce swelling and inflammation.
- Maintain personal hygiene by washing your hands thoroughly to prevent the spread of the virus from one eye to another.
- Do not share towels or makeup to avoid infection.
- Avoid wearing contact lenses until symptoms subside.
- Avoid substances that may irritate the eye, such as smoke and allergens.
- Use eye drops containing artificial tears to relieve dry, itchy eyes.
Does eye infections affect vision
Yes, eye infections can affect vision and can cause temporary blurred vision due to eye discharge, swelling, and general irritation. This can also be permanent if serious infections, such as keratitis, are not treated.
It can lead to corneal ulcers and scarring, causing permanent vision loss, and uveitis, which can lead to retinal swelling and scarring, optic nerve damage, and permanent vision loss.
Conjunctivitis in Children
Conjunctivitis in children is a common condition involving conjunctival swelling. It can be caused by bacteria, a viral infection, or allergies. Symptoms include eye redness, yellow or green discharge, itching, and eyelid swelling.
The treating physician will diagnose the condition and prescribe appropriate treatment, which may include allergy drops, antiviral drops, and antibiotics. It is important to maintain good hygiene and avoid rubbing the eye.
Summary of the difference Between Bacterial and Viral Conjunctivitis
The main difference is that bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by bacteria and can be treated with antibiotics. Its characteristic symptoms include a thick, yellow or green discharge.
Viral conjunctivitis, on the other hand, is caused by viruses and does not respond to antibiotics.