The conjunctiva is red and sometimes thickened. Often both eyes are involved. The bacteria most commonly at fault are the Staphylococcus, the Streptococcus, and H. Influenza. This disease is very contagious, and sometimes entire families are infected. Laboratory cultures are not typically used to make the diagnosis since this is expensive and time consuming.
Most infections are over by the time the results of the lab tests come back.
Treatment is curative. Usually antibiotic drops and compresses ease the discomfort and clear up the infection in just a few days. Occasionally the infection does not respond well to drops. In those rare cases a second visit to the office should be made and other measures undertaken. In severe infection, oral antibiotics are necessary.