Viral vs. Bacterial Conjunctivitis: How to Tell the Difference

Close-up of eye with redness and visible hemorrhage, possible capillary rupture or pink eye conjunctivitis.

Itchy, red eyes can be more than a minor annoyance. Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, can make everyday tasks uncomfortable and leave you wondering how to treat it. Identifying whether the cause is viral or bacterial is key to getting the right care and preventing the condition from spreading.

At Millennium Park Eye Center in Chicago, IL, our ophthalmologists blend advanced techniques with years of specialized training to treat both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis. Our team includes highly respected experts such as Dr. Dimitri T. Azar and Dr. Van Ann Tran, who have decades of combined experience in diagnosing and treating complex eye conditions. 

Difference Between Viral and Bacterial Pink Eye

Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis share similar symptoms but have different causes and treatment approaches. Understanding these differences helps you seek timely and appropriate care.

Key distinctions between the two include:

  • Eye appearance: Severe redness and swelling can occur with either type, but bacterial cases often look more inflamed.
  • Cause: Viral pink eye stems from viruses, often the same ones that cause colds. Bacterial pink eye is caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus or Streptococcus.
  • Discharge: Viral conjunctivitis usually produces a watery discharge, while bacterial conjunctivitis often creates thicker, yellow or green mucus.
  • Onset and duration: Viral cases can last one to two weeks and resolve on their own. Bacterial cases may worsen without antibiotic treatment.
  • Contagiousness: Both types spread easily, but bacterial conjunctivitis can spread rapidly without proper hygiene.

Recognizing these signs early can help protect your vision and prevent complications.

Pink Eye Treatment and Prevention Tips

Treating pink eye depends on its cause. Viral conjunctivitis usually clears without medication, while bacterial conjunctivitis requires antibiotics.

Prevention and care strategies include:

  • Practice frequent handwashing: This reduces the risk of spreading infection.
  • Avoid touching your eyes: Touching can introduce or spread pathogens.
  • Change pillowcases often: Fresh linens help reduce reinfection risk.
  • Replace eye cosmetics regularly: Old makeup can harbor bacteria.
  • Clean contact lenses properly: Follow all care instructions and avoid wearing lenses during infection.

Following these tips can shorten recovery time and prevent future infections.

Get Expert Care for Pink Eye in Chicago

Suspect you may have viral or bacterial conjunctivitis? Contact Millennium Park Eye Center in Chicago, IL, for precise diagnosis and advanced treatment. Call 312-996-2020 to schedule your appointment and receive personalized pink eye care from our trusted team.

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