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 answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Robert Kwokanswered
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.
124 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Nov 14, 2019
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
$44 video appointments with $19/month membership*
*Billed $57 every 3 months. Cancel anytime.
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.