Conjunctivitis Bacterial Infection: Pink Eye Symptoms and Treatment
 A conjunctivitis infection from a bacterial source is the most common type of eye infection, especially among children. While similar to other types of pink eye, a conjunctivitis bacterial infection poses some unique symptoms and requires a different mode of treatment in order to properly heal.
Conjunctivitis bacterial infections can be caused by a variety of bacteria that make their way into the eye. The most common types that cause bacterial conjunctivitis are:
- Staphylococcus aureus - the bacteria that causes staph infections
- Haemophilus influenzae - a type of bacterial influenza responsible for a wide array of other illnesses
- Streptococcus pneumoniae - a bacteria that has been linked to causes of ear infections, pneumonia, and bacterial meningitis
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa - a pathogen that also causes urinary tract, skin, and gastrointestinal infections in at-risk patients
Children who attend school are especially susceptible to conjunctivitis bacterial infections due to its particular contagiousness through dirty hands, contaminated surfaces, or through other infections such as sinus and ear infections that are also common in children.
Symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis in both children and adults include:
- Goopy or puss-filled eyes
- Prominent infection in one eye
- Redness
- Itching
- Crusty eyes, especially in the morning
- Pain or discomfort
- Swelling
- Sensitivity to light
- Bleeding in severe cases
As with most bacterial infections, bacterial conjunctivitis is most commonly treated with antibiotics. If you suspect you or your child is suffering from a conjunctivitis bacterial infection, contact your doctor. He or she may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment, and can often recommend ways to ease the discomfort of the infection.
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