Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Many different bacteria can cause conjunctivitis, the inflammation of the eyelid membrane or conjunctiva. More commonly known as "pink eye", bacterial conjunctivitis is most often caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Staphylococcus aureus. The same bacteria that characterize the sexually transmitted infections gonorrhea and chlamydia can also cause bacterial conjunctivitis. This type of infection can be passed on to an infant from a mother during pregnancy and delivery.

Highly contagious, bacterial conjunctivitis is common among schoolchildren who spread the infection by rubbing their eyes and then touching others without washing their hands. Shared linens can also perpetuate the spread of bacterial conjunctivitis.

Most often characterized by a red, itchy or painful eye, bacterial conjunctivitis also produces a discharge that is thick and colored white, yellow or green. Some children who have bacterial conjunctivitis will also suffer from an ear infection at the same time, as the bacteria that cause one often also cause the other.

For more information on bacterial conjunctivitis, please contact us by choosing a LASIK Surgeon below in your area.