What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Bacterial Conjunctivitides
• Mucopurulent Conjunctivitis
• Purulent Conjunctivitis

What is Bacterial Conjunctivitis? (Definition/Background Information)

• Conjunctivitis is inflammation of conjunctiva of the eye, which is the membrane covering the white region of the eye
• In Conjunctivitis the white part of the eye turns red or pink, and hence it is also known as Pink Eye. The infection may affect either one, or both the eyes, and is accompanied by inflammation, irritation, with watery discharge from the eyes. Under normal circumstances, Conjunctivitis does not affect vision
• The cause factors for Conjunctivitis are many; however, Bacterial Conjunctivitis is caused by any of the several types of bacteria, such as staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus pneumoniae, and hemophilus influenzae among others. It is one of the most common type of Conjunctivitis that affects healthy individuals
• In most cases the symptoms clear spontaneously within a few weeks; though antimicrobial treatment and supportive care speeds up the healing process
• Severe forms of Bacterial Conjunctivitis are caused by pathogens that are responsible for sexually transmitted diseases (STD), like neisseria gonorrhoeae and chlamydia trachomatis

Who gets Bacterial Conjunctivitis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Individuals in any age group are vulnerable to Bacterial Conjunctivitis; both adults and children are at equal risk
• Newborns may acquire the infection from their mothers
• Generally, both male and female genders are equally affected

What are the Risk Factors for Bacterial Conjunctivitis? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Bacterial Conjunctivitis include:

• Contact with a person affected by Conjunctivitis, or the use of infected (shared) items
• This infection spreads in offices, classrooms, day care centers, crowded spaces, and hospitals
• Bacterial Conjunctivitis may also be associated with inflammatory diseases like sinusitis and immunodeficiency conditions
• Exposure to pathogens that cause STDs: In case of Conjunctivitis due to neisseria or chlamydia bacteria; the sexually active individuals are at a high risk. Newborns have a high vulnerability, and may acquire the infection from their STD-infected mothers
• Eye disorders such as blepharitis, dryness of the eye, anatomic/structural abnormalities may predispose one to Bacterial Conjunctivitis
• Regular use of contact lens (particularly the extended wear variety)
• Recent eye surgery

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Bacterial Conjunctivitis? (Etiology)

• Bacterial Conjunctivitis is caused by a variety of bacteria, and these include: Staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus pneumoniae, hemophilus influenzae
• Chlamydia trachomatis, moraxella, neisseria gonorrhoeae, which are severe pathogens, cause acute strains of Conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis may often be one of the many presentations of other underlying diseases/disorders
• This disorder is highly contagious and the infectious phase may last anywhere from 8-14 days, until the eye returns to normal color
• The bacteria is transmitted either through direct contact with items used by the infected individual; by touch (hand-to-eye route), use of shared spaces (like swimming pools), and through respiratory or nasal droplets

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Bacterial Conjunctivitis?

Common signs & symptoms of Bacterial Conjunctivitis are:

• Itching and redness of the eye(s); this may begin in one eye and slowly progress to the other
• Discharge of green or yellow color, pus-like fluid from the eyes with formation of crusts (usually seen in the morning, on waking-up). Sticky eyelids, which are difficult to keep open
• Eye pain and inflammation (usually mild); with gritty feeling of sand-like particles inside the eye
• Blurred vision

How is Bacterial Conjunctivitis Diagnosed?

Bacterial Conjunctivitis is diagnosed using the following tools:

• The ophthalmologist or physician performs an eye examination and evaluates the patient’s medical history
• Slit lamp exam (if necessary), for a detailed study of the eye
• Conjunctival scrapings, culture of eye discharge to diagnose the bacteria type
• Differential diagnosis to eliminate other conditions; since there are several other cause factors for Conjunctivitis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Bacterial Conjunctivitis?

Complications may arise if the cornea is involved, or if the Bacterial Conjunctivitis is not treated. It is also dependent upon the type of bacteria causing the infection and the presence of secondary conditions. The complications include:

• Prolonged discomfort
• Corneal ulcer, scar
• Bonding (adhesion) of eyelids to the eyeball, which may be partial or total
• Damage to the eye, loss of vision in newborns
• Chronic recurrence of the condition, if it is not adequately treated

How is Bacterial Conjunctivitis Treated?

Treatment of Bacterial Conjunctivitis is mainly supportive, and based on underlying health factors. Some general management measures include:

• Topical antibacterial ointments are generally prescribed. Systemic antibiotics are vital in case the disorder is acute and caused by STD-linked bacterial microorganisms
• Application of warm compress can help reduce discomfort
• Clean the eye crusts carefully using soft and wet cotton wool
• Use of lubricating drops may soothe the eyes, and are helpful if the eyes remain dry
• Corticosteroids are not used, since they worsen the condition
• In case of severe and intense (chronic) infection leading to loss of vision; a corneal transplant may be necessary to restore vision
• Avoid the use of contact lens during this period; wear eye glasses instead
• Management of underlying health conditions is mandatory; and these could be STDs, sinusitis, immune disorders
• Follow-up care is regularly required after 1-3 weeks; more so if the condition aggravates

How can Bacterial Conjunctivitis be Prevented?

• Bacterial Conjunctivitis is highly infectious. It is best to keep away from work or school, if you suffer from the condition
• Prevent spread of the condition by maintaining hygiene, washing hands regularly, avoiding sharing of pillows, towels, make-up, and by limiting physical contact
• Prevent aggravation of the condition by staying out of the sun, keeping away from dust and smoke. Also, avoid touching or rubbing the eyes (this may be difficult when the affected individuals are very young children)
• Stop or restrain yourself from smoking tobacco, or drinking alcohol
• The onus is on all sexually mature individuals to ensure that they are generally well-informed of the sexually transmitted diseases (either by their healthcare providers, or public health authorities); and are aware of the preventive measures and precautions, more so if you are planning for a child
• Abstain from sex with multiple partners; or have a monogamous partner, if you are planning for a child

What is the Prognosis of Bacterial Conjunctivitis? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• Most cases of Bacterial Conjunctivitis are self-limiting and have an excellent outcome, when treated with topical antibiotics and on providing supportive management
• Acute (and hyperactive) Conjunctivitis triggered by gonococci and chlamydia bacteria have a potential to cause blindness and even life-threatening illnesses (especially in infant children); if the underlying conditions are not suitably managed
• Bacterial Conjunctivitis (caused by chlamydia, neisseria, staphylococcus, moraxella) is a chronic infection and can recur periodically, if conditions are conducive for their recurrence

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Bacterial Conjunctivitis:

• Bacterial Conjunctivitis (caused by chlamydia, neisseria, staphylococcus, moraxella) is a chronic infection and can recur periodically, if conditions are conducive for their recurrence
• Many alternatives medicine therapies, natural therapy, or home remedies are available to ease the discomfort of Bacterial Conjunctivitis. However, such treatment methods are not a proven science and should not be substituted for a qualified healthcare provider’s medical advice