Bacterial conjunctivitis

Low urgency
Common-

Inflammation of the layer that covers the whitish part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids, called conjunctiva.

In this case, it is caused by a bacterial infection.

The affected eye is red and teary, with yellow or greenish discharge appearing predominantly in the morning and intolerance to light.

It is diagnosed by clinical questioning and examination of the eye.

Treatment is based on local antibiotic drops and washing of the discharge with warm water. 

Bibliographic references
  1. Deborah S Jacobs, MD. Conjunctivitis. UpToDate. Aug 22, 2016.
  2. Rose PW, Harnden A, Brueggemann AB, et al. Chloramphenicol treatment for acute infective conjunctivitis in children in primary care: a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Lancet 2005; 366:37.
  3. Sheikh A, Hurwitz B, van Schayck CP, et al. Antibiotics versus placebo for acute bacterial conjunctivitis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2012; :CD001211.
  4. Pardiñas-Pérez MR, Alonso Martín L, Sepúlveda Berrocal MA, Hernández de Francisco L. Ojo Rojo. Manual de protocolos y actuación en urgencias. Hospital Virgen de la Salud, Complejo Hospitalario de Toledo. Tercera edición. 2010: 1161-1166.
  5. Horton JC. Trastornos de los ojos. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 1. 19º Edición: 199
Author
Dr. Sara Vitoria
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Eyelid glued on awakening


    Discharge of fluid from the eye


    Significant eye watering


    Redness in only one eye


    Both eyes red

Symptoms to watch out for

Persistence of symptoms for more than two weeks after initial treatment
Loss of vision
History of immunodeficiency (HIV, Diabetes Mellitus, oncological disorders, long-term corticosteroid consumption).

Self-care

Avoid rubbing your eyes.
Apply local cold to the injured area 3 times a day to reduce inflammation.
Use of artificial tears or antihistamine eye drops.
Stop using contact lenses.
Consult with your primary care physician regarding the prescription of antibiotics.