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Difference Between Viral and Bacterial Pink Eye

Viral vs Bacterial Pink Eye

Our eyes are said to be the windows to our soul. They pave the way to seeing the beautiful world that God made. Without our eyes, we can do limited things and do things differently. That’s why blind people are said to be great people because they can manage to live despite being visually handicapped.

Eye illness cannot be prevented as every day we are bound to be exposed to different types of pollution. We’ll never know as well when to get eye infections. We also don’t know if we are at risk for cataracts and retinal detachment. That is why we should always have our annual eye check-ups. Conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye infections in the world. It has two types caused by bacteria or a virus. Conjunctivitis is also called pink eye. It is the infection of the conjunctiva, a part of the eye that is responsible for producing mucus and tears. It also prevents the entrance of microorganisms into the eyes. Besides being cause by bacteria or a virus, it is also caused by allergies, chemicals, and can be gotten as a neonate often called neonatal conjunctivitis.

Viral conjunctivitis is an infection of the conjunctiva that is caused by a virus. It is usually associated with sore throats, respiratory tract infections, and colds. The symptoms include itching and discharges that are watery. Viral conjunctivitis usually begins with one eye and then spreads to the other eye. Viral conjunctivitis is the one being labeled as pink eye for it is the conjunctiva that becomes reddish or pinkish due to the inflammation of the conjunctiva.

Bacterial conjunctivitis, on the other hand, is an infection of the conjunctiva caused by bacteria. These bacteria are said to be pyogenic or bacteria that cause pus. This type of conjunctivitis causes the eyelids to stick together because of the discharge that is coming out. There is also crusting of the discharge upon waking up. There is also a bit of redness and itching. It can also spread to the other eye just like viral conjunctivitis.

Bacterial conjunctivitis resolves on its own without special treatments. If within three days it is not solved, anti-bacterial eye drops and ointments are being utilized. There are no adverse long-term effects with or without utilization of these medications.

In viral conjunctivitis there is also no specific treatment. By cold compresses it can be relieved. Patients with viral conjunctivitis are advised to wash their hands to prevent the spread of the virus. They are also advised not to touch their eyes or even share their towels.


1.Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by bacteria while viral conjunctivitis is caused by a virus.
2.In viral conjunctivitis there is evidence of pink eye while in bacterial conjunctivitis there are purulent discharges because of the pyogenic bacteria.
3.Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can heal by itself.

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