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Conjunctivitis: Bacterial Conjunctivitis
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Conjunctivitis is most often the result of viruses. Conjunctivitis can ... be caused by bacterial infections, allergies, chemicals, irritation from contact lenses, or eye injury. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are very contagious. If both eyes are affected, with the predominant symptom being itching and a clear discharge, it is likely that allergies are the cause. A thick, crusty discharge may be the sign of a bacterial infection.
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Conjunctivitis (in humans) is defined by sources at the Mayo Clinic as “an inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane (conjunctiva) that lines your eyelid and part of your eyeball. The cause of [conjunctivitis] is commonly a bacterial or viral infection, an allergic reaction or — in newborns
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Conjunctivitis can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection; by certain environmental factors, such as smoke, dust, or pollen; or by other factors. Viruses cause many kinds of infections, such as the common cold (see common cold entry), acute respiratory infections, or diseases such as measles (see measles entry). These infections can spread easily to the eye. If they infect the conjunctiva, conjunctivitis results.
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Conjunctivitis is usually not a serious problem. It often will go away by itself. It is still important to consult your health care provider. Chronic conjunctivitis, left untreated, can cause permanent eye damage. Bacterial conjunctivitis is treated with antibiotics. Cool compresses relieve symptoms of allergic and viral conjunctivitis.
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Aminoglycosides, such as gentamicin (Garamycin), tobramycin (Tobrex) and neomycin are inexpensive choices for the treatment of acute bacterial conjunctivitis. These agents provide good gram-negative coverage, but they have relatively poor gram-positive coverage, including incomplete coverage of Streptococcus and Staphylococcus species. Furthermore, aminoglycosides are associated with a relatively high incidence of toxicity to the corneal epithelium (primarily with prolonged use). Neomycin, in particular, can cause local oculocutaneous allergic reactions. For this reason, topical ophthalmic preparations containing neomycin probably should be avoided as first-line therapy.
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Conjunctivitis can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection, chemical exposure, or an allergic reaction to pollen, smoke, or other irritants (shampoos and pool chlorine). Most cases of conjunctivitis run a predictable course and the inflammation usually clears up in a few days.
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Bacterial Conjunctivitis