Viral vs Bacterial Pink Eye: How to Tell
Pink eye, also called Conjunctivitis, is an infection of the conjunctiva.
Bacterial and viral are the two common forms of pink eye.
However, viral pink eye is more common, accounting for 80% of all cases of Acute Conjunctivitis.
Most of the time, identifying viral from the bacterial pink eye is hard.
Keep going to find out the difference between viral and bacterial pink eye.
| Basis | Bacterial Conjunctivitis | Viral Conjunctivitis |
|---|---|---|
| Causes | Bacteria, like Streptococcus Pneumonia and Staphylococcus Aureus | Viruses, such as Adenovirus or HSV |
| Distinctive symptoms | Green or yellow discharge Crusting of eyelids, especially in the morning Gritty or sticky feeling in the eyes | Watery discharge Itchy or burning sensation in the eyes Sensitivity to light Swelling of the eyelids |
| Duration | Usually, 1 to 2 weeks | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Associated conditions | Ear infections, bacterial respiratory infections | Common cold, viral respiratory infections |
| Contagiousness | Highly contagious | Highly contagious |
| Treatments | Antibiotic eye drops or ointments | Supportive care (e.g. artificial tears) Antiviral medications in severe cases |
Viral vs Bacterial pink eye causes
Viral pink eye is primarily caused by a viral infection, with Adenoviruses being the most common culprits.
On the other hand, Bacterial pink eye is induced by bacteria, most commonly Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus.
Note that both these types of Conjunctivitis are highly contagious and can spread through physical contact or sharing items.
However, Adenovirus also causes the common cold and respiratory infections, which often accompany Viral pink eye and not bacterial.
Additionally, the onset of symptoms is usually gradual in Viral conjunctivitis, while bacterial pink eye has a more sudden onset.
Difference between Viral and Bacterial pink eye
Viral and bacterial pink eye can be challenging to tell apart.
This is because the symptoms for both of them are generally the same, including.
- Pink or red eye
- Burning or irritation
- Itchiness
- Swelling
- Discharge
However, there are a few telltale signs to identify one from another.
Viral pink eyemight start with viral respiratory infections, mostly cold.
In comparison, bacterial pink eye can begin with an ear or bacterial respiratory infection.
This usually helps your doctor to make distinctions.
But there are some visual differences to help you distinguish between Viral versus Bacterial pink eye.
Additionally, yellow or green discharge and crust production are often signs of bacterial pink eye.
Viral infection typically causes teary or watery discharge.
“While not a foolproof method of diagnosis, you can still potentially gauge whether a case of pink eye is bacterial or viral by observing the discharge coming from the eye.”
Nishita Patel, MD
Not often, but in some cases, the eyes of a person infected with bacteria are redder than those of a person with viral.
Typically, the viral infection starts in one eye, while the bacterial pink eye is present in both eyes.
However, both infections can start in one eye and then spread to another.
This usually helps your doctor to make distinctions.
But there are some visual differences to help you distinguish between the viral and bacterial pink eye.
Source of the infection of Bacterial vs Viral pink eye
Usually, bacterial Conjunctivitis contracts through close personal contact, such as physical touch or sexual interactions.
Environmental factors, such as dust, air, or contaminated makeup and objects with germs, can also cause the infection.
However, Viral pink eye can be transmitted through contact with droplets containing the virus, such as those expelled when an infected person sneezes or coughs, which can then come into contact with your eyes.
Contact wearers risk developing bacterial corneal ulcers, including severe eye pain and light sensitivity.
Treatments of Viral vs Bacterial pink eye
Both viral and bacterial pink eye are self-limiting.Â
The infection usually clears up on its own in one to two weeks.
However, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to clear the bacterial infection in less time.
Antibiotic eyedrops can reduce your symptoms about 24 hours after you start the treatment.
However, antibiotics are not prescribed for viral infection.Â
You can use cold compresses regularly to help with the irritation.
Additionally, artificial tear drops might also be prescribed by your doctor to reduce and relieve the symptoms of Viral pink eye.
Also Read: For natural remedies, you can read the article How to Treat Bacterial Pink Eye Naturally?
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Takeaway
Understanding whether you have Viral or Bacterial pink eye is crucial for appropriate management and treatment.
Viral pink eye is extremely contagious and often presents with watery discharge and gradual onset, with symptoms resolving on their own within weeks.
Supportive care through lubricating eye drops is the mainstay of treatment.
On the other hand, bacterial pink eye, also contagious but less so than its viral counterpart, is characterized by yellow or green discharge, a gritty sensation, and sudden onset.
It typically clears up within 2 to 5 days with antibiotic eye drops or ointments.
If you suspect you have pink eye, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional or an ophthalmologist for a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan.
They can provide guidance on managing your symptoms, preventing the spread of the infection, and determining whether medication is necessary to speed up your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to know if pink eye is bacterial or viral?
Bacterial pink eye usually starts with an ear infection, while viral pink eye is associated with a common cold or other viral infections. Moreover, in bacterial eye infections, eyes have thick discharge and appear redder, but viral eyes appear more watery.
Is viral pink eye worse than bacterial?
Although both infections are self-limiting, bacterial pink eye may cause more discomfort due to thick discharge and crusty production. It can make it difficult for a person to see. However, viral and bacterial pink eye can lead to complications under certain circumstances.
Is viral and bacterial pink eye treated the same?
No. If required, viral pink eye is treated with antiviral medication, and antibiotics are prescribed for bacterial pink eye. However, mild cases of both infections do not need any treatment as they go away on their own.
Will viral pink eye go away without antibiotics?
Yes, viral pink eye often resolves without antibiotics. Supportive care, such as using artificial tears like Eyemist E/D and practicing good hygiene, is usually sufficient. However, antiviral medication may be needed for severe cases or specific viral causes.
What is the difference between pink eye and viral Conjunctivitis?
Pink eye is a term for Conjunctivitis, which can have various causes, including viruses, bacteria, allergies, or irritants. Viral Conjunctivitis is a specific type of pink eye caused by viruses like Adenovirus. Therefore, viral Conjunctivitis is a subset of pink eye, with viral infections being one possible cause among others.
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