Types of Conjunctivitis


Bacterial Infection

Staphylococcus and streptococcus are two types of bacterial infection, which cause pus to be discharged from the eye.  Bacteria may come from your own skin or upper respiratory tract or from another person.  If there is a lot of pus like discharge, there may be an acute infection.  Other infections can be chronic yet there may be no visible discharge but eyelashes may become crusty.  Both eyes may be affected with a bacterial infection, and as well as a thick, yellow-greenish sticky discharge, other cold like symptoms may be seen.  Usually both eyelids are affected and eyes can feel gritty and become red.

This type of infectious conjunctivitis is highly contagious and can be passed on easily with a towel.  It is more common in children and by following a strict hygiene regime, this type of conjunctivitis can be prevented from being passed on. 

Virus Infection

Viral conjunctivitis can usually be recognised by a water-like discharge and red eyes, which can last for some weeks.  Eyes may feel uncomfortable and there may be tender lymph nodes around the ear or the neck.  Only one eye may be affected and typical cold like viral infection symptoms may be experienced, such as a sore throat and runny nose.  This type of infectious conjunctivitis is highly contagious and can be passed on easily with a towel.  It can spread rapidly and cause an epidemic of conjunctivitis.  Following a strict hygiene regime can prevent this type of conjunctivitis from being passed on. 

Allergy based Conjunctivitis

Allergy based conjunctivitis usually produces a discharge which may sting the eye.  It is common amongst people with other allergies such as hay fever, asthma and eczema.  The actual conjunctivitis may be caused by antigens such as pollen and dust mites.  Hay fever is a typical example and symptoms include itchy, inflamed, teary, and intermittently red eyes.  Further, the conjunctiva may swell and cause clear blister like spots on the white of the eye.  Immunoglobulin E is produced by the body in response to allergens and histamines are released.  This causes red or pink eyes.

Chlamydial Conjunctivitis

This is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, which affects other parts of the body and can cause the disease, chlamydia.  Symptoms include both eyes being red and having a sticky discharge.  Sometimes the cornea is affected.

Chemical, Irritant & Foreign Object

Reactive conjunctivitis occurs due to a chemical or irritant or a foreign object in the eye.  For example, you may be susceptible to chemicals in swimming pools, or normal environmental irritants like smoke and fumes.  Sensitive eyes can become uncomfortable, red and watery.  If the eye has become irritated by a chemical or foreign object, it can clear up quite easily if the eye is cleaned and the chemical or foreign object is washed away.

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