Bacterial conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is caused by bacteria infecting the eyes. Bacterial conjunctivitis is usually identifiable from thick discharge from the eye. Other symptoms include eye redness, swollen or red eyelids, and mild eye pain. 

Bacterial conjunctivitis can affect one or both eyes and may spread from one eye to the other if the healthy eye becomes contaminated.  Bacterial conjunctivitis usually clears up without treatment in 1-2 weeks, but antibiotics can be prescribed if infection is severe or if the patient would like immediate treatment. Bacterial conjunctivitis is treated with topical eye drops or ointment, and an antibiotic pill by mouth may also be prescribed to help with eyelid inflammation. Although bacterial conjunctivitis is highly contagious and easily spreadable, a patient being treated will no longer be contagious 12-24 hours after starting treatment.

If you believe that you have bacterial conjunctivitis, call our office at (859) 278-9486, and we will get you on the schedule as soon as possible.