Conjunctivitis, also called pink eye or pinkeye, can be caused by a bacterial infection. Bacterial conjunctivitis is the most common form of conjunctivitis. Bacterial conjunctivitis is a highly contagious type of pink eye.

Normal bacteria exists on the surface of the eye. The normal flora of the eye includes staphylococci, streptococci, and Corynebacterium strains of bacteria. If the person becomes susceptible to infection by these normally healthy amounts of bacteria or if foreign bacteria invades, the person develops bacterial conjunctivitis.

Anyone can get bacterial pink eye, but people with compromised immune systems may be especially susceptible to bacterial pink eye. Staphylococci, pneumococci, streptococci bacteria are common causes of bacterial pinkeye. Gonorrhea and Chlamydia are possible causes of bacterial conjunctivitis. Bacterial conjunctivitis due to Chlamydia or Gonorrhea can cause permanent damage to the person’s eyes which could cause permanent vision impairment. If these are potential causes for the individual’s case of pink eye, they should seek prompt medical treatment.

The signs and symptoms of bacterial pink eye includes a redness of the eye, tearing, thick yellow-green discharge from the eye, burning or itching sensations of the eye, blurred vision, and a sensitivity to light. Someone with pink eye may feel as if there is something in the eye. The symptoms of pink eye may affect one or both eyes. People with bacterial pink eye may also have enlarged lymph nodes.

Unlike most other types of pink eye, there is medical treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis. When diagnosing pink eye, the doctor will examine the eyes. If bacterial conjunctivitis is suspected, the doctor may prescribe medication eye drops for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis. People are generally allowed to return to work or school after the pink eye has been treated with prescription medicated eye drops for at least twenty-four hours.

To avoid spreading bacterial conjunctivitis, the infected person should try to refrain from rubbing and touching the eyes. People with pink eye should wash their hands frequently with soap and water. Paper towels, cotton balls, or tissues can be used to clean the eyes to prevent the spread of pink eye due to touching contaminated wash cloths or towels.

Most cases of pink eye will resolve within two weeks with or without medical treatment. Some doctors no longer treat pink eye unless the cause may be Chlamydia or Gonorrhea. If the person either has or has been in contact with someone with Chlamydia or Gonorrhea, they should seek medical treatment for pink eye.