Question 1

how can you tell the difference between viral pink eye, bacterial pink eye, and allergies?

Accepted Answer

Some differences: Generally viral pink eye typically produces redness, watery eyes and doesn't need treatment except for herpes. Bacterial pink eye causes redness & purulent discharge (puss), often "matting the lids/lashes together" in the AM or after a long nap -- needs antibiotic drops. Allergies almost always involve both eyes with redness, some watering, & can be quite itchy. Consult doc if you have it.

Question 2

what type of pink eye do i have? viral or bacterial, but how do you tell the difference?

Accepted Answer

Viral: Traditionally "pink eye" is a viral infection and it is highly contagious. You should wash your hands frequently and use a hand sanitizer. You can be contagious for 10-14 days after contracting the virus and can reinfect yourself if you are not careful. Viral infections usually produce "watery" discharge whereas a bacterial infection produces "pus". See your eye doctor for the diagnosis.

Question 3

what, if any, are the differences between viral and bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye)? how does someone know which kind they have? does it always require a dr. visit or can it be treated at home?

Accepted Answer

Hard to guess: Watery eyes or clear mucus is more likely non-bacterial. Pink eye is usually a viral infection, sometimes allergies, sometimes a bacterial infection, and occasionally other causes. Symptoms usually go away in a few days, or up to a week or so. A doctor will want to recheck, if symptoms haven't gone away in a week, and recommend an eye doctor visit if symptoms are persistent or worse than average.

Question 4

how can i tell if i have viral or bacterial pink eye?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms: In adults without a history of surgery or trauma, by far the most common infections are viral causing redness, itching, clear-sticky discharge and commonly are bilateral. Bacterial infectious is more flagrant, frequently drops the vision, has pus and much swelling, and commonly is painful.  Your ophthalmologist can sort this out for you.

Question 5

how avoid 100% or almost pink eye(viral and bacterial)?

Accepted Answer

No immunity: Careful hygiene, hand washing and avoid infected  contacts. No proven way to prevent it.

Question 6

how do you know if you have viral pink eye or bacterial ?

Accepted Answer

: Most pink eyes are caused by viral infection. Itching is usually less in bacterial conjunctivitis but the exudate is much heavier. Pre-auricular lymph nodes may be present in viral conjuntvitis and symptoms of upper respiratory infection may be co-present.

Question 7

is it possible to get pink eye twice in the same year? i wasn't sure if it was bacterial or viral when i got it during the summer.

Accepted Answer

Pink eye: Pink eye is viral bacterial or allergic conjunctivitis. You can get any one many times per year. The first you need an antibiotic for. The second is very contagious but only responds to time.

Question 8

i think my 2.5 year old has pink eye.   some green discharge,  not much redness at all.  how do symptoms between viral and bacterial pink eye differ?

Accepted Answer

Conjunctivitis: Bacterial conjunctivitis is typically unilateral, one eye, but can be bilateral. There is usually a very significant colored discharge. Viral conjunctivitis is typically a clear, mucousy, discharge, and usually is, or becomes bilateral. And is contagious. Both should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist for proper treatment, which is not the same.

Question 9

doctor, my vision has been blurry for quite a while now. before this i had pink eye and im not sure if it was bacterial or viral. my eyes are not red?

Accepted Answer

Blurry vision: Blurry vision that develops during the day can be caused by dry eyes (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), allergies and medications, to name a few.  Lubricating drops or allergy drops that are preservative free can be used for relief.  Changes in vision should prompt a visit to an optometrist for evaluation sooner rather than later.

Question 10

i had pink eye and now the top eye lid of my eye is swollen, red, and tender?  viral?  bacterial?

Accepted Answer

Blocked Duct: After any eye infection (allergic, viral, etc) it is not uncommon to see blocked ducts that are located in the eyelid around the eyelashes. This can create what many call a stye but is likely a chalazion or hordeolum. Either way, warm compresses and gentle massage can relieve the clogged duct. You may need antibiotic eye drops if the clogged duct gets infected. For now try the compresses and see.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Difference between bacterial or viral pink eye

A member asked:

How can you tell the difference between viral pink eye, bacterial pink eye, and allergies?

A member asked:

What type of pink eye do i have? viral or bacterial, but how do you tell the difference?

A member asked:

What, if any, are the differences between viral and bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye)? how does someone know which kind they have? does it always require a dr. visit or can it be treated at home?

A member asked:

How can i tell if i have viral or bacterial pink eye?

A member asked:

How avoid 100% or almost pink eye(viral and bacterial)?

A member asked:

How do you know if you have viral pink eye or bacterial ?

A member asked:

Is it possible to get pink eye twice in the same year? i wasn't sure if it was bacterial or viral when i got it during the summer.

A member asked:

I think my 2.5 year old has pink eye. some green discharge, not much redness at all. how do symptoms between viral and bacterial pink eye differ?

A member asked:

Doctor, my vision has been blurry for quite a while now. before this i had pink eye and im not sure if it was bacterial or viral. my eyes are not red?

A member asked:

I had pink eye and now the top eye lid of my eye is swollen, red, and tender? viral? bacterial?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?