Dallas, TX
A 33-year-old female 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?

1 doctor answer1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Robert Kwok
Pediatrics 35 years experience
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.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

Related questions

A 36-year-old member asked:
I had pink eye and now the top eye lid of my eye is swollen, red, and tender? Viral? Bacterial?
1 doctor answer2 doctors weighed in
A 40-year-old member asked:
How can I tell if I have viral or bacterial pink eye?
1 doctor answer3 doctors weighed in
A 29-year-old male asked:
How avoid 100% or almost pink eye(viral and bacterial)?
1 doctor answer2 doctors weighed in
A 36-year-old male asked:
How do you know if you have viral pink eye or bacterial ?
1 doctor answer4 doctors weighed in
Last updated Nov 14, 2019

Disclaimer:

Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.