Simple Bacterial Conjunctivitis Simple bacterial conjunctivitis is the most common form of conjunctivitis encountered in daily life. The symptoms of simple bacterial conjunctivitis include:
Redness in the eyes
Itching
Burning sensation
Discharge
Eyelids sticking together in the morning due to discharge
Treatment for simple bacterial conjunctivitis involves using antibiotic eye drops during the day and antibiotic ointment before bedtime. Bacterial conjunctivitis typically heals within 10-14 days.
Viral Conjunctivitis The most common cause of viral conjunctivitis is a virus called adenovirus. Secretions from the respiratory tract or eyes of individuals carrying this virus can cause transmission. Infection symptoms begin 4-10 days after exposure to the virus. For the following 12 days, the infected individual becomes contagious.
Symptoms of adenoviral conjunctivitis include:
Redness and bloodshot eyes
Watery eyes
Itching
Light sensitivity
Swelling of the eyelids
Swollen lymph nodes in front of the ears
In 80% of viral conjunctivitis cases, the cornea (transparent layer of the eye) is also affected. About 7-10 days after the onset of symptoms, white spots appear on the cornea. These spots may fade within two weeks, but if they penetrate deeper, fading may take months to years.
Treatment for adenoviral conjunctivitis involves the use of corticosteroid eye drops if there is excessive itching in the eyes or if the white spots on the cornea penetrate deeply.