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Bacterial conjunctivitis is a microbial infection of the
membrane lining the eyelids called conjunctiva. It is a benign eye
condition, of acute onset, but self-limiting.
It presents with red eyes, minimal pain, sometimes with pruritus, gritty
sensation, and presence of crusts on the eyelid that form overnight. Eye
discharge can be either mucoid, purulent, or muco-purulent depending on the
causative organism.
Moraxella-Axenfeld diplobacillus is the organism that causes a mucoid
discharge. The discharge usually accumulates at the lid margins and canthi.
It is also called angular conjunctivitis because the discharge often
accumulates at the lateral canthus.
Neisseria gonorrhea and Beta Streptococci are the organisms causing a
purulent discharge while several organisms produce muco-purulent discharge.
These include Hemophilus aegyptius, Hemophilus influenza, Staphylococcus
aureus, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Escherichia coli, and Proteus mirabilis.
Treatment includes use of antibacterial eye drops. Maintaining a good
hygiene is important for prevention. Avoid rubbing your eyes with your
hands, wash your hands frequently, and avoid sharing personal items like
handherchiefs, towels, and eye cosmetics. If you are using contact lenses,
clean and handle them properly. These are some tips to prevent acquiring the
condition.
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