The conjunctiva is a thin, clear layer of tissue that covers the white portion of the eye as well as the inside of the upper and lower eyelids. Conjunctivitis is a term that describes an inflammation of this tissue.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is a condition where this inflammation of the conjunctival tissue is a direct result of a bacterial infection. It is normal for some bacteria to exist on the surface of the body and in the eye, which is kept in check by the normal chemistry of the eye’s tear fluids. Bacterial conjunctivitis can stem from a tear chemistry imbalance, allowing the normal bacteria in the eye to grow at a higher rate than usual. It can also occur as a result of an infection by bacteria transmitted to the eye via airborne bacteria, cosmetics or touching the eye with your hand.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is characterized by a white or yellowish discharge that seems to be more prominent in the morning. This discharge tends to dry along the lashline and may remain present to a lesser degree throughout the day. It is not uncommon for bacterial infections to be passed throughout a household as a result of using common towels or face cloths. With this condition, eyes must be kept clean while taking special care that towels and face cloths are separate from those that others may use.
