Pink eye is among the most common eye infections in the United States. The white area of the eye appears pink when the blood vessels in the conjunctiva are inflamed.
The conjunctiva is a transparent membrane that covers the eye’s surface. In most cases, pink eye is not serious and clears up on its own.
However, sometimes it may need treatment, for which it is important to know the cause of pink eye.
Causes of pink eye can include bacteria, allergens, and viruses. Among these, bacteria is one of the leading causes of pink eye.
You might wonder, ‘What kind of bacteria causes bacterial pink eye?’
This article will attempt to answer your question: What bacteria causes pink eye?’
What Bacteria Causes Pink Eye
Source: pixelshotOne of the leading causes of Conjunctivitis or pink eye is bacteria. You might be wondering what kind of bacteria causes pink eye.
Different types of bacteria can cause pink eye, including Staphylococcus Aureus, Streptococcus Pneumoniae, and Haemophilus Influenzae.
While most cases of bacterial pink eye are mild, those caused by Chlamydia and Gonorrhea require medical treatment.
Let us discuss these causes of bacterial pink eye in detail.
Staphylococcus Aureus
Staphylococcus Aureus is among the most common causes of ocular infections, including Conjunctivitis.
Pink eye caused by this bacteria is more prevalent in older children. Symptoms like red eyes, irritation in the eye, and eye discharge accompany this bacterial pink eye.
Maintaining hygiene and using Antibiotic eye drops can help manage pink eye due to bacteria effectively.
Want to explore more about eye discharge caused due to pink eye? To learn in-depth, read Everything You Need to Know About Pink Eye Discharge.
Streptococcus Pneumoniae
Streptococcus Pneumoniae is the second leading cause of acute Conjunctivitis in children.
This bacteria can cause pink eye symptoms like redness, thick discharge like pus, and discomfort or eye pain.
Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage the condition and limit the spread of the infection.
Haemophilus Influenzae
Haemophilus Influenzae is a predominant bacterial cause of pink eye in children. Topical Antibiotics such as Sulfacetamide and Erythromycin can help manage this infection.
Topical Antibiotics are generally available in the form of ointments that are directly applied to this eye.
Chlamydia Trachomatis
Chlamydia Trachomatis causes a sexually transmitted infection called Chlamydia. A person can also develop chlamydial Conjunctivitis i.e., pink eye caused by Chlamydia Trachomatis.
The bacteria are usually spread through hand-to-eye contact with infected genital fluids or secretions.
It is a more serious type of Conjunctivitis that requires specialized medical treatment.
Neisseria Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is also a sexually transmitted infection that can cause pink eye. Pink eye caused by Neisseria Gonorrhoea bacteria is called Gonococcal Conjunctivitis.
This kind of eye infection can occur when the eye comes in contact with infected genital fluids or secretions.
Specialized medical treatment is necessary to treat this bacterial pink eye type to avoid adverse effects.
Treatment for Bacterial Pink Eye
Source: Biserka_Stojanovic_from_Getty_ImagesBacterial pink eye is usually not serious and clears up on its own within 1 to 2 weeks.
But while you wait for it to clear up, cold compresses and the use of artificial tears eye drops can help ease the symptoms.
Yet, in some cases, a person may need to seek medical when the infection is serious.
Medical therapy is also required for pink eye caused by bacteria like Chlamydia Trachomatis and Neisseria Gonorrhoea.
Bacterial pink eye treatment generally involves using Antibiotics in the form of ointments, gels, and eye drops.
It is necessary to consult a medical expert if you have bacterial pink eye symptoms.
Want to know more about the treatment of pink eye? Read Pink Eye Treatment: Treating Conjunctivitis Effectively.
Final Words
Bacterial Conjunctivitis or pink eye, is the second most prevalent form of pink eye infection, after viral Conjunctivitis. Most bacterial pink eye cases are mild and do not require medical treatment.
However, some cases of bacterial pink eye may be more serious than others. But which one?
This can lead you to the question, ‘What bacteria causes pink eye?’
Among several kinds of bacteria that can lead to pink eye, the most common ones include Staphylococcus Aureus, Streptococcus Pneumoniae, and Haemophilus Influenzae.
Pink eye caused by these bacteria is usually not serious and clears up on its own within 1 to 2 weeks.
However, Conjunctivitis caused by Chlamydia Trachomatis or Neisseria Gonorrhoea requires specialized medical attention.
These bacteria cause a more serious form of pink eye, which can be life-altering if left untreated.
It is important to consult an eyecare specialist to determine the cause of pink eye and suitable treatment.
They generally recommend Antibiotic eyedrops like Zaha Eye Drops for bacterial pink eye infections.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prevent the spread of bacterial Conjunctivitis?
To prevent spreading bacterial Conjunctivitis, practice good hand hygiene and avoid touching or rubbing your eyes. You should also avoid sharing personal items like towels and eye makeup.
Is bacterial pink eye contagious?
Yes, bacterial pink eye or Conjunctivitis is contagious. It can spread through direct contact with infected eye discharge or contaminated objects.
Can I treat bacterial Conjunctivitis at home?
Yes, you can relieve symptoms of Conjunctivitis with the help of home remedies.
But, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment. They may prescribe Antibiotic eye drops or ointments to manage the infection.
How long does it take for bacterial Conjunctivitis to clear up with treatment?
With appropriate Antibiotic treatment, bacterial Conjunctivitis symptoms typically improve within a few days.
However, it’s essential to complete the full course of Antibiotics as your healthcare provider prescribes, even if your symptoms improve earlier.
Can children with bacterial Conjunctivitis go to school or daycare?
No, it’s advisable to keep children with bacterial Conjunctivitis out of school or daycare until they have received 24 hours of Antibiotic treatment and their symptoms have improved.
This helps prevent the spread of the infection to others.
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