Is Bacterial Conjunctivitis Contagious

Conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye infections. It is also known as pink eye. It is caused due to the inflammation of conjunctiva. Conjunctiva is the thin protective layer of the inner eyelid which also protects the white portion of the eye ball. Conjunctivitis can be caused due to infection of bacteria, virus, allergy, foreign body, plugged tear duct or because of scratching the eye. Now you must be wondering if bacterial conjunctivitis contagious? Well, the answer is yes. Among all the causes of conjunctivitis, bacterial and viral infections are the most contagious ones.

Causes of Bacterial Conjunctivitis
You must be wondering how do you get pink eye or bacterial conjunctivitis. Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused due to the infection of staphylococci, streptococci or haemophilus. These bacteria are present in our skin and the upper respiratory tract but remain in a dormant state. Hence, they can come either from our own body or from any other person who is suffering from conjunctivitis and can infect our eye. It can affect one or both the eyes. It is commonly observed in children as they are more exposed to the external environment and come into contact with other children in school or in the neighborhood.

Symptoms of Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Symptoms of pink eye or bacterial conjunctivitis are nearly similar, except from few. Following are some of the symptoms noticed in bacterial conjunctivitis.

• Early symptoms of pink eye may comprise redness in eye which can be prominently seen in the white part of the eyeball.
• Thick yellow or green colored substance will ooze throughout the day.
• Crusting is observed in the eye lids.
• The eye lids will stick on waking up after a long sleep because of the sticky discharge which will create problems in opening the eye in the morning.
• Swelling and itching in the eye are the most common symptoms and will stay till the eyes are totally cured.
• Pain will be moderate but will increase if you put your head down and you may feel like your infected eye is bulging out.

Is Bacterial Conjunctivitis Contagious?
Yes, bacterial conjunctivitis is contagious. But for how long, is yet another matter of concern. When you get to know that you are suffering from conjunctivitis, immediately consult a doctor. You must be treated with antibiotic drops or ointments in case of bacterial conjunctivitis. Once the treatment is started, bacterial conjunctivitis will be contagious only for 24 hours. You can start your daily work and can go in public. But till your treatment has not started, avoid going to public places as it can spread to other people. If you are not able to get relief from antibiotics then consult a doctor for assistance. Antibiotics are not effective on viral conjunctivitis and its treatment takes more time. Hence viral conjunctivitis is contagious for up to 14 days.

Treatments for Bacterial Conjunctivitis
The best treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis is antibiotic drops or ointments. Although both eye drops and ointment can treat bacterial conjunctivitis drops are considered to be the best option as ointments are difficult to apply and can give you blurred vision for at least 20 minutes. The eye drops stay in the eye for a longer time as compared to the ointment. The treatment should be continued till the redness completely disappears. Clean your eyes regularly with the help of cotton swab dipped in warm water and then wipe it with a clean towel. There are many antibiotics which are special meant for different types of the bacteria which infect the eye. For example, Chloramphenicol is used to treat Gram Negative and Gram Positive bacteria, Fusidic acid is used against Staphylococcal infection, Gentamicin is used against Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, etc. Apart from these there are many other antibiotics which are used for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis.

Preventing the Spread of Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Following are some of the measures which can help you prevent the spread of bacterial conjunctivitis if you are suffering from the same.

• Avoid touching your eyes with hands and use a clean towel to wipe or clean the eyes.
• Do not allow others to use your towel as it can give them the infection. Regularly wash your hands to avoid the spread of infection.
• Wash your clothes daily and change the pillowcase daily.
• Avoid using eye cosmetics and in case you are using them, avoid sharing.
• Avoid going in public places till the treatment starts.

If the condition gets critical then consult a doctor immediately. If you get the infection then take proper preventive measures to avoid its spread. Take care of your eye and get it treated as soon as possible.