Bacterial pink eye almost always occurs in children. The hallmark sign of bacterial conjunctivitis is rapid/sudden onset (as in, you can identify the exact HOUR it began) and LOTS OF DISCHARGE - pus coming out of the eyes that needs to be wiped away and then seems to come right back. The eyes are usually red, irritated, sometimes itchy and swollen. It often starts in one eye and then spreads to the other.

The most common causative bacteria in kids is Haemophilus influenzae. The condition is what we call “self-limited” meaning, if left untreated, it will go away on its own within about 2 weeks. Since it goes away faster with the use of antibacterial eye drops that are effective against the specific bacteria causing the infection, we usually recommend eye drop treatment until the condition resolves. Bacterial pink eye can be spread to others through fluids until the condition has resolved. Most of the time, it resolves completely without any long-term side effects.

Bacterial pink eye: think KIDS, RAPID onset, LOTS OF PUS - we usually treat with ANTIBACTERIAL DROPS.

Bacterial pink eye.

Viral pink eye can happen in children OR adults. Most of the time when an adult has pink eye, it is of viral origin. Viral pink eye often follows a cold by a week or two. While we said bacterial pink eye has a RAPID onset, viral pink eye is more GRADUAL (getting worse for a couple of days…). Another way you can easily differentiate bacterial from viral is viral pink eye LACKS severe discharge. There is often watery discharge, sometimes with a small amount of pus mixed in. The eyes are red, irritated and sometimes swollen.

***Lots of people who experience red, irritated eyes assume they have a bacterial infection and immediately want antibacterial drop treatment when in fact, it is most commonly caused by a virus!!!***

Viral pink eye is also “self-limited” and will resolve without treatment within 10-14 days (during which time, you can spread the virus through fluids to others). We do NOT treat VIRAL pink eye with anti-BACTERIAL eye drops because they DO NOT WORK. We do not treat the specific virus that causes the condition as it is usually not known. We recommend artificial tears and cool compresses for comfort. There are some forms of viral pink eye that need additional treatment such as topical steroids or a betadine rinse, so if the condition is extremely severe or does not seem to be getting better within 1-2 weeks, seek professional help from your local eye care practitioner.

Viral pink eye: WATERY discharge (with slight mucus), we do NOT treat with antibacterial drops; but instead artificial tears and additional treatment if severe or if no resolution within 1-2 weeks.