eye disorders
Acute Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Key Points
Acute bacterial conjunctivitis tends to differ from viral conjunctivitis by the presence of purulent discharge and the absence of chemosis and preauricular adenopathy. Forms of bacterial conjunctivitis that need to be treated differently include neonatal conjunctivitis, gonococcal conjunctivitis, trachoma, and inclusion conjunctivitis (a type of chlamydial conjunctivitis). Diagnosis is usually clinical. Treatment includes measures to prevent spread and antibiotics (topical, such as a fluoroquinolone, for causes except gonococcal and chlamydial). 