{"id":16485,"date":"2021-07-28T13:03:35","date_gmt":"2021-07-28T13:03:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/?page_id=16485"},"modified":"2021-07-28T13:03:35","modified_gmt":"2021-07-28T13:03:35","slug":"bacterial-conjunctivitis","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/general-practice-optometry\/guide-to-eye-conditions\/dry-eye\/conjunctivitis-and-eye-infections\/bacterial-conjunctivitis\/","title":{"rendered":"Bacterial Conjunctivitis"},"content":{"rendered":"

More than 12% of children will have bacterial conjunctivitis each year.\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

When your eyes are sore, look pink and there is a sticky discharge, you may want to bury your head, but there are very effective treatments now available.<\/p>\n

Over 5 million children in the USA will develop an eye infection annually.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Bacterial conjunctivitis, often referred to as \u201cpink eye,\u201d is the swelling or inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent layer of tissue that lines the inner surface of the eyelid and covers the white area of the eye.<\/p>\n

What causes bacterial conjunctivitis<\/b><\/h2>\n

Bacterial conjunctivitis<\/a> is an infection caused by germs from a person\u2019s skin or respiratory system, most commonly staphylococcal or streptococcal bacteria.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Insects, direct contact with others, poor hygiene, and the use of contaminated eye makeup and facial creams can all cause the infection. It can also be spread by sharing makeup and wearing contact lenses that aren’t your own or aren’t properly cleaned.<\/p>\n

Symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis<\/b><\/h2>\n

Common symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis<\/a> include:<\/p>\n