Bacterial conjunctivitis and viral conjunctivitis need to be accurately differentiated by a pathogenetic examination, and the clinical workup can be hypothesized on the basis of the different manifestations of the two.
Patients with bacterial conjunctivitis usually present with a large amount of yellowish-white discharge from the eye, and the conjunctival tissue is predominantly congested and edematous, with very little hemorrhage. The diagnosis can be confirmed by a bacterial culture of the conjunctival sac secretions.
In viral conjunctivitis, aqueous discharge is most common, and the conjunctival tissue may be edematous and congested with small patches of hemorrhage. The diagnosis can be confirmed if evidence of viral infection is found, such as through PCR testing.
When symptoms such as increased eye discharge and eye pain occur, it is recommended to seek medical attention and follow the doctor’s instructions for targeted treatment.