How can i know if i have a viral or bacterial conjunctivitis?

Sometimes difficult: Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis can be difficult to distinguish. Viral are more common, are usually bilateral, and typically come along with a cold or other respiratory infection. Bacteria can and do become secondary agents in viral conjunctivitis. Pure bacterial conjunctivitis are usually unilateral and are commonly associated with poor eyelid hygiene and overgrowth of skin organisms.

Conjunctivitis: usually the bacterial conjunctivitis has more ropy discharge and pus . causes more sticky eyes. Viral conjunctivitis does not have significant discharge. also swabs can confirm bacterial conjunctivitis.

Difficult: It can be difficult to differentiate between the two however thick yellow discharge which causes the eyelids to get stuck together in the mornings is usually bacterial and itchy, irritated, painful, watery eye is usuallt viral. The best way is for your doctor to take a swab and send to the lab for diagnosis