Why is there a need to distinguish viral from bacterial conjunctivitis?
Viral and other non-purulent types of conjunctivitis do not require antimicrobial treatment. Often these children are treated mistakenly for prolonged periods of time with both topical and systemic antibiotics with persistence of the red eye. In some situations the topical antibiotic itself may cause an allergic reaction resulting in a persistent red eye. Bacterial Conjunctivitis 22. What is bacterial conjunctivitis? Bacterial conjunctivitis is a microbial infection involving the mucous membrane of the surface of the eye. This condition, which is usually a benign self-limited illness, sometimes can signify a severe underlying systemic disease. Occasionally, significant ocular and systemic morbidity may result.
