{"id":405706,"date":"2023-11-09T17:30:00","date_gmt":"2023-11-09T17:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/?p=405706"},"modified":"2025-10-10T05:00:38","modified_gmt":"2025-10-10T05:00:38","slug":"keratitis-vs-conjunctivitis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/eyecare\/keratitis-vs-conjunctivitis\/","title":{"rendered":"Keratitis vs Conjunctivitis: How are They Different?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>To get the right treatment for your eye, it is important to understand the difference between the various eye problems.&nbsp;<br><br>Keratitis and Conjunctivitis are two of the most common eye diseases that are often confused and thought of to be the same.&nbsp;<br><br>In this article, we will take a look at Keratitis vs Conjunctivitis to help you understand the difference between these eye problems better.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"understanding-keratitis-and-conjunctivitis\">Understanding Keratitis and Conjunctivitis<\/h2>\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/eyecare\/keratitis\/\" target=\"_blank\">Keratitis<\/a> is an eye disease that makes the cornea, the clear front part of your eye, swell up.<br><br>Conjunctivitis, also called &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/eyecare\/pink-eye\/\" target=\"_blank\">Pink Eye<\/a>&#8220;, occurs when the conjunctiva, a thin and clear membrane covering the inside of the eyelids, feels inflamed.<br><br>Conjunctivitis is a common eye problem that affects about <a href=\"https:\/\/emedicine.medscape.com\/article\/1191730-overview?form=fpf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">six million<\/a> people in the US every year.<br><br>Keratitis is also called Corneal Blindness, a major cause of sight loss in the United States.<br><br>There are two main types of Keratitis: non-infectious and infectious. Conjunctivitis is also of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK541034\/#:~:text=The%20classic%20findings,lymphadenopathy.%5B20%5D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">three<\/a> types: bacterial, viral, and allergy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Explore whether there is any possibility of blindness caused by pink eye with our <strong>article: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/eyecare\/can-pink-eye-cause-blindness\/\" target=\"_blank\">Can Pink Eye Cause Blindness? Exploring the Link Between the Two<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"su-box su-box-style-soft\" id=\"\" style=\"border-color:#075380;border-radius:7px;\"><div class=\"su-box-title\" style=\"background-color:#3A86B3;color:#FFFFFF;border-top-left-radius:5px;border-top-right-radius:5px\">Quick Checkout:<\/div><div class=\"su-box-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"border-bottom-left-radius:5px;border-bottom-right-radius:5px\"> In a World Filled with Wonders, Your Vision Deserves the Best! <\/p>\n<p>Check out our wide range of <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/eye-care.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"eye care products\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">eye care products<\/a> and keep your vision bright and healthy. <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<!-- ===== GRX 4-Product Strip (responsive, WP-proof spacing) ===== -->\r\n<div class=\"grx-ss\" aria-label=\"Related products\">\r\n  <style>\r\n    .grx-ss{\r\n      --gap:12px;\r\n      --radius:12px; --border:#e6e6ef; --muted:#ADADAD; --title:#1f2937; --stars:#ffc107;\r\n      --price:#16a34a; --btn:#4107a1; --btn-h:#32067c; --btn-txt:#fff; --shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(9,30,66,.06);\r\n      --v-xs:4px; --v-sm:6px;\r\n      --img-h:180px;\r\n      --wp--style--block-gap:0 !important; \/* kill Gutenberg block gap inside *\/\r\n      display:block; width:100%; margin:0; padding:0; text-align:left;\r\n\r\n      \/* ensure spacing below the strip *\/\r\n      margin-bottom:20px !important;\r\n    }\r\n    .grx-ss *, .grx-ss *::before, .grx-ss *::after{box-sizing:border-box}\r\n\r\n    \/* Nuke theme margin on headings with extra specificity + !important *\/\r\n    .grx-ss .card h1.title,\r\n    .grx-ss .card h2.title,\r\n    .grx-ss .card h3.title{\r\n      margin:0 !important; margin-block:0 !important; padding:0 !important; line-height:1.25 !important;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    \/* GRID *\/\r\n    .grx-ss .grid{\r\n      display:grid; gap:var(--gap);\r\n      grid-template-columns:repeat(4,minmax(0,1fr));\r\n      width:100%;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    \/* CARD *\/\r\n    .grx-ss .card{\r\n      background:#fff; border:1px solid var(--border); border-radius:var(--radius);\r\n      padding:14px; display:flex; flex-direction:column; box-shadow:var(--shadow);\r\n      height:100%; text-align:left; min-width:0;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    \/* IMAGE *\/\r\n    .grx-ss .img{\r\n      display:flex; align-items:center; justify-content:center;\r\n      height:var(--img-h);\r\n      border-radius:10px; overflow:hidden; line-height:0; margin-bottom:12px;\r\n      padding:8px; background:#fff;\r\n    }\r\n    .grx-ss .img img{ width:100%; height:100%; object-fit:contain; display:block }\r\n\r\n    \/* Flush-left safety *\/\r\n    .grx-ss .generic,\r\n    .grx-ss .title,\r\n    .grx-ss .rating,\r\n    .grx-ss .start,\r\n    .grx-ss .price{\r\n      margin-left:0 !important; padding-left:0 !important; text-indent:0 !important; text-align:left !important;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    \/* TEXT (match template) *\/\r\n    .grx-ss .card .generic{\r\n      font:650 13px\/1.2 Inter,system-ui,-apple-system,Segoe UI,Roboto,Arial,sans-serif;\r\n      color:var(--muted); letter-spacing:.06em; text-transform:uppercase;\r\n      margin:0 0 2px !important; display:block;\r\n      white-space:nowrap; overflow:hidden; text-overflow:ellipsis; max-width:100%;\r\n    }\r\n    .grx-ss .card .title{\r\n      font:700 18px\/1.25 Inter,system-ui,-apple-system,Segoe UI,Roboto,Arial,sans-serif;\r\n      color:var(--title); margin:0 0 var(--v-xs) !important; min-width:0; display:block;\r\n    }\r\n    .grx-ss .title a{ color:inherit; text-decoration:none; display:block; min-width:0; white-space:nowrap; overflow:hidden; text-overflow:ellipsis }\r\n    .grx-ss .rating{ display:flex; align-items:center; gap:6px; margin:0 0 var(--v-xs) }\r\n    .grx-ss .stars{ color:var(--stars); font-size:14px }\r\n    .grx-ss .rcount{ font:600 16px\/1 Inter,system-ui,-apple-system,Segoe UI,Roboto,Arial,sans-serif; color:#4f46e5 }\r\n    .grx-ss .start{ color:var(--muted); font:600 14px\/1 Inter,system-ui,-apple-system,Segoe UI,Roboto,Arial,sans-serif; margin:var(--v-sm) 0 0 }\r\n    .grx-ss .price{ color:var(--price); font:700 18px\/1.1 Inter,system-ui,-apple-system,Segoe UI,Roboto,Arial,sans-serif; margin:2px 0 10px }\r\n    .grx-ss .price small{ display:block; font:600 13px\/1 Inter,system-ui,-apple-system,Segoe UI,Roboto,Arial,sans-serif; color:var(--price); opacity:.9 }\r\n\r\n    .grx-ss .btn{\r\n      margin-top:auto; display:inline-block; width:100%; text-align:center; padding:12px 14px; border-radius:10px;\r\n      background:var(--btn); color:var(--btn-txt); font:700 16px\/1 Inter,system-ui,-apple-system,Segoe UI,Roboto,Arial,sans-serif; text-decoration:none;\r\n    }\r\n    .grx-ss .btn:hover{ background:var(--btn-h) }\r\n\r\n    \/* BREAKPOINTS *\/\r\n    @media (max-width:1024px){\r\n      .grx-ss .grid{ grid-template-columns:repeat(3,minmax(0,1fr)) }\r\n      .grx-ss{ --img-h:160px; }\r\n    }\r\n    @media (max-width:768px){\r\n      .grx-ss{ padding-left:8px; padding-right:8px; --img-h:140px; }\r\n      .grx-ss .grid{ grid-template-columns:repeat(2,minmax(0,1fr)); gap:8px }\r\n      .grx-ss .card{ padding:12px; border-radius:10px }\r\n      .grx-ss .title{ font-size:16px }\r\n      .grx-ss .title a{ white-space:nowrap; overflow:hidden; text-overflow:ellipsis }\r\n      .grx-ss .price{ font-size:15px }\r\n      .grx-ss .btn{ padding:10px 12px; font-size:14px; border-radius:8px }\r\n    }\r\n    @media (max-width:360px){ .grx-ss .grid{ grid-template-columns:1fr } }\r\n  <\/style>\r\n\r\n <!-- Global heading added (matches template) -->\r\n<h2 style=\"font-size:2em; font-weight:700; font-family:Inter,system-ui,-apple-system,Segoe UI,Roboto,Arial,sans-serif; line-height:1.25; color:#1f2937; margin:0 0 20px;\">\r\n  Save up to 90% on your medicine bills\r\n<\/h2>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"grid\">\r\n  <!-- 1) Eyemist Forte 10 ml -->\r\n  <article class=\"card\">\r\n    <a class=\"img blog_widgets\" href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/eyemist-forte-10-ml.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\r\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.goodrxmedicine.com\/media\/catalog\/product\/cache\/38bdd449a121db415bdaf9224821e53f\/e\/y\/eyemist_forte_10_ml_1.png\" alt=\"Eyemist Forte 10 ml\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\">\r\n    <\/a>\r\n    <div class=\"generic\">HYPROMELLOSE (ARTIFICIAL TEARS)<\/div>\r\n    <h3 class=\"title blog_widgets\">\r\n      <a class=\"blog_widgets\" href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/eyemist-forte-10-ml.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Eyemist Forte 10 ml<\/a>\r\n    <\/h3>\r\n    <div class=\"rating\"><span class=\"stars\">\u2606\u2606\u2606\u2606\u2606<\/span><span class=\"rcount\">0<\/span><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"start\">Starting at just<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"price\">$15.84<small>per pack (2 eye drops)<\/small><\/div>\r\n    <a class=\"btn blog_widgets\" href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/eyemist-forte-10-ml.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Buy Now<\/a>\r\n  <\/article>\r\n\r\n  <!-- 2) Restasis 0.05% Ophthalmic Emulsion 0.4ml -->\r\n  <article class=\"card\">\r\n    <a class=\"img blog_widgets\" href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/restasis-0-05-ophthalmic-emulsion-0-4ml.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\r\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.goodrxmedicine.com\/media\/catalog\/product\/cache\/38bdd449a121db415bdaf9224821e53f\/r\/e\/restasis-0.05_-ophthalmic-emulsion-0.4ml-1.png\" alt=\"Restasis 0.05% Ophthalmic Emulsion 0.4ml\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\">\r\n    <\/a>\r\n    <div class=\"generic\">CYCLOSPORINE OPHTHALMIC EMULSION<\/div>\r\n    <h3 class=\"title blog_widgets\">\r\n      <a class=\"blog_widgets\" href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/restasis-0-05-ophthalmic-emulsion-0-4ml.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Restasis 0.05% Ophthalmic Emulsion 0.4ml<\/a>\r\n    <\/h3>\r\n    <div class=\"rating\"><span class=\"stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2606<\/span><span class=\"rcount\">2<\/span><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"start\">Starting at just<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"price\">$533.70<small>per pack (3 packs)<\/small><\/div>\r\n    <a class=\"btn blog_widgets\" href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/restasis-0-05-ophthalmic-emulsion-0-4ml.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Buy Now<\/a>\r\n  <\/article>\r\n\r\n  <!-- 3) Milflox 0.5% 5 ml -->\r\n  <article class=\"card\">\r\n    <a class=\"img blog_widgets\" href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/milflox-0-5-5-ml.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\r\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.goodrxmedicine.com\/media\/catalog\/product\/cache\/38bdd449a121db415bdaf9224821e53f\/m\/i\/milflox-0.5_-5-ml-2-front.png\" alt=\"Milflox 0.5% 5 ml\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\">\r\n    <\/a>\r\n    <div class=\"generic\">MOXIFLOXACIN OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION<\/div>\r\n    <h3 class=\"title blog_widgets\">\r\n      <a class=\"blog_widgets\" href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/milflox-0-5-5-ml.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Milflox 0.5% 5 ml<\/a>\r\n    <\/h3>\r\n    <div class=\"rating\"><span class=\"stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2606<\/span><span class=\"rcount\">3<\/span><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"start\">Starting at just<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"price\">$5.93<small>per pack (1 eye drop)<\/small><\/div>\r\n    <a class=\"btn blog_widgets\" href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/milflox-0-5-5-ml.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Buy Now<\/a>\r\n  <\/article>\r\n\r\n  <!-- 4) Pred Forte 10 ml -->\r\n  <article class=\"card\">\r\n    <a class=\"img blog_widgets\" href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/pred-forte-10-ml.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\r\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.goodrxmedicine.com\/media\/catalog\/product\/cache\/38bdd449a121db415bdaf9224821e53f\/p\/r\/pred_forte_eye_drop.png\" alt=\"Pred Forte 10 ml\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\">\r\n    <\/a>\r\n    <div class=\"generic\">PREDNISOLONE ACETATE (STEROID)<\/div>\r\n    <h3 class=\"title blog_widgets\">\r\n      <a class=\"blog_widgets\" href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/pred-forte-10-ml.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Pred Forte 10 ml<\/a>\r\n    <\/h3>\r\n    <div class=\"rating\"><span class=\"stars\">\u2606\u2606\u2606\u2606\u2606<\/span><span class=\"rcount\">0<\/span><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"start\">Starting at just<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"price\">$15.20<small>per pack (4 eye drops)<\/small><\/div>\r\n    <a class=\"btn blog_widgets\" href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/pred-forte-10-ml.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Buy Now<\/a>\r\n  <\/article>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<!-- ===== \/GRX 4-Product Strip ===== -->\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"symptoms-keratitis-vs-conjunctivitis\">Symptoms: Keratitis vs Conjunctivitis<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>In no way the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/eyecare\/keratitis-symptoms\/\" target=\"_blank\">symptoms of Keratitis<\/a> and Conjunctivitis are the same.&nbsp;<br><br>People with Keratitis often have pain in the eye, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, and the sensation of something being in the eye.&nbsp;<br><br>Conjunctivitis, or &#8220;Pink Eye&#8221;, on the other hand, causes <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/eyecare\/red-eyes\/\" target=\"_blank\">red eyes<\/a> and itchy eyes and releases watery discharge from the eyes.&nbsp;<br><br>The cornea is more affected by Keratitis, while the thin membrane that covers the inside of the eyes is affected by Conjunctivitis.&nbsp;<br><br>It is important to differentiate between the symptoms to find the right treatment plan for your eye conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Understand the various differences between pink eye and allergies with our <strong>article: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/eyecare\/pink-eye-vs-allergies\/\" target=\"_blank\">Pink Eye vs Allergies: Know the Difference<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"su-box su-box-style-soft\" id=\"\" style=\"border-color:#073d11;border-radius:10px;\"><div class=\"su-box-title\" style=\"background-color:#3A7044;color:#FFFFFF;border-top-left-radius:8px;border-top-right-radius:8px\">Suggestion:<\/div><div class=\"su-box-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"border-bottom-left-radius:8px;border-bottom-right-radius:8px\"> Regular eye check ups can help a lot in treating both these eye conditions therefore get your eyes checked up regularly to make sure your eyes are healthy. <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cause-of-keratitis-and-conjunctivitis\">Cause of Keratitis and Conjunctivitis<\/h2>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/dry-eyes-1-1024x536.webp\" alt=\"dry eyes\" class=\"wp-image-405320\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Non-infectious Keratitis can be caused due to dry eyes<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Regarding Conjunctivitis, bacteria like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/topics\/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology\/staphylococcus-aureus\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Staphylococcus Aureus<\/a> and Streptococcus Pneumoniae are the main cause of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/eyecare\/bacterial-pink-eye\/\" target=\"_blank\">bacterial Pink Eye<\/a>.&nbsp;<br><br>In the same way, viruses like Coronavirus and Herpes Simplex Virus (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/herpes-simplex-virus#:~:text=Rarely%2C%20HSV%2D1%20infection%20can%20lead%20to%20more%20severe%20complications%20such%20as%20encephalitis%20(brain%20infection)%20or%20keratitis%20(eye%20infection).\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">HSV<\/a>) can cause <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/eyecare\/viral-pink-eye\/\" target=\"_blank\">viral Pink Eye<\/a>.&nbsp;<br><br>On the other hand, allergens like dust and pet hair can cause allergic Pink Eye.&nbsp;<br><br>But when it comes to Infectious Keratitis, it is caused by viruses, bacteria <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/contact-lenses\/causes\/what-causes-contact-lens-related-bacterial-keratitis.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/contactlenses\/bacterial-keratitis.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">from<\/a> contact lenses, parasites, and fungi.&nbsp;<br><br>Usually, it happens after the cornea has already been damaged.&nbsp;<br><br>Non-infectious Keratitis can be caused by eye problems like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/eyecare\/dry-eyes\/\" target=\"_blank\">Dry Eyes<\/a>, wounds after surgery, wearing contact lenses for a long time, and lack of vitamin A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Want to know more about the various pink eye causes? <strong>Read <\/strong>our article: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/eyecare\/pink-eye-causes\/\" target=\"_blank\">Uncovering Pink Eye Causes: A Comprehensive Guide<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"treatment-options-for-keratitis-and-conjunctivitis\">Treatment options for Keratitis and Conjunctivitis<\/h2>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"536\" src=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Use-Artificial-tears-eyedrop-1024x536.webp\" alt=\"Use artificial tears eyedrop\" class=\"wp-image-405632\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Use-Artificial-tears-eyedrop-1024x536.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Use-Artificial-tears-eyedrop-300x157.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Use-Artificial-tears-eyedrop-768x402.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Use-Artificial-tears-eyedrop.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Use artificial tears eyedrop<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/eyecare\/keratitis-treatment\/\" target=\"_blank\">Keratitis treatment<\/a> depends on the type of Keratitis one has.\u00a0<br><br>Doctors may prescribe antiviral, antibiotic or antifungal eye drops for mild Infectious Keratitis, depending on the cause.\u00a0<br><br>Ophthalmologists may prescribe oral medicines for severe Infectious Keratitis.<br><br>For moderate Non-infectious Keratitis, doctors may give artificial tears.\u00a0<br><br>In severe circumstances, patients may be advised to avoid contact lenses and use anti-inflammatory <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/eye-care.html\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/eye-care.html\" target=\"_blank\">eye drops<\/a>.<br><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/eyecare\/pink-eye-treatment\/\" target=\"_blank\">Pink Eye treatment<\/a>, on the other hand, depends on the cause. Doctors prescribe antibiotic eye drops like Azithromycin for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/eyecare\/bacterial-pink-eye-symptoms\/\" target=\"_blank\">bacterial Pink Eye symptoms<\/a>.\u00a0<br><br>Antiallergic eye drops may treat allergic Pink eyes. Viral Pink Eyes often heal on their own without needing any treatment.\u00a0<br><br>However, doctors may recommend tear drops for viral Pink Eye as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Comparing aspect<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Keratitis<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Conjunctivitis<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Definition<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Inflammation of the cornea (outermost eye layer)<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Inflammation of the conjunctiva (inner eyelid surface)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Causes<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Infectious (viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites) and non-infectious (injuries, underlying medical conditions)<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Infectious (bacterial and viral), allergic, irritants<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Symptoms<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/eyecare\/eye-pain\/\" target=\"_blank\">Eye pain<\/a>, light sensitivity, blurred vision, foreign body sensation<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Redness, itching, watery\/mucus discharge, gritty feeling<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Types<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Non-infectious and Infectious Keratitis<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Bacterial, viral, allergic Conjunctivitis<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Treatment<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Depends on type; may include eye drops, oral medications, or surgery<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Depends on the cause; antibiotic eye drops for bacterial, antiallergic eye drops for allergic, viral often resolves on its own<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Understand the various differences between viral and bacterial pink eye with our <strong>article: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/eyecare\/viral-vs-bacterial-pink-eye\/\" target=\"_blank\">Viral vs Bacterial Pink Eye: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"su-box su-box-style-soft\" id=\"\" style=\"border-color:#7a1312;border-radius:10px;\"><div class=\"su-box-title\" style=\"background-color:#AD4645;color:#FFFFFF;border-top-left-radius:8px;border-top-right-radius:8px\">Warning:<\/div><div class=\"su-box-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"border-bottom-left-radius:8px;border-bottom-right-radius:8px\"> Do not take any medicine without consulting a doctor. Your doctor can help you determine the right dosage for your condition and avoid the risk of side effects. <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"conclusion\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>In conclusion, Understanding Keratitis vs Conjunctivitis is important to find the right treatment.<br><br>Keratitis affects the eye and makes it painful, sensitive to light, and blurry.&nbsp;<br><br>Whereas Conjunctivitis, also known as &#8220;Pink Eye&#8221;, causes an inflammation feeling in the thin membrane that lines the eyelid.&nbsp;<br><br>This causes redness, itching, and a release of watery mucus-like fluid. Recognizing these unique symptoms is a key part of making individualized treatment plans.&nbsp;<br><br>For correct and proper treatment, it is important to know the different reasons causing these eye problems, such as bacteria, viruses, allergens, and injuries.&nbsp;<br><br>When deciding the right treatment for Keratitis and Conjunctivitis, it&#8217;s important to consult a doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"su-box su-box-style-soft\" id=\"\" style=\"border-color:#075380;border-radius:7px;\"><div class=\"su-box-title\" style=\"background-color:#3A86B3;color:#FFFFFF;border-top-left-radius:5px;border-top-right-radius:5px\">Order Now:<\/div><div class=\"su-box-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"border-bottom-left-radius:5px;border-bottom-right-radius:5px\"> Eyes are the Windows to Your Adventures \u2013 Choose from Our wide range of <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/eye-care.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"eye care products\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">eye care products<\/a> and continue enjoying the wonders of this world. <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/eye-care.html\" aria-label=\"Your Banner CTA\" class=\"post-inside-cta\">\r\n    <picture>\r\n        <source media=\"(max-width: 768px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Eye_Mobile.webp\">\r\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Eye_Desktop-scaled.webp\" alt=\"Your Banner CTA\" width=\"100%\" height=\"184\">\r\n    <\/picture>\r\n<\/a>\r\n<div style=\"height: 30px;\"><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"frequently-asked-questions\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1699536595473\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What are the key differences between Keratitis and Conjunctivitis?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Keratitis hurts and makes it hard to see because it affects the cornea. People with Conjunctivitis, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/eyecare\/does-pink-eye-cause-swelling\/\" target=\"_blank\">Pink Eye have swelling<\/a>, itching, and a watery discharge from their eyes.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1699536602668\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">How common is Conjunctivitis compared to Keratitis in the United States?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>About six million people get Conjunctivitis every year. Keratitis, on the other hand, is less common but is a major cause of blindness in the US.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1699536610590\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What are the typical symptoms of Keratitis and Conjunctivitis?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Keratitis causes pain, sensitivity to light, and a feeling like something is in the eye. When you have Conjunctivitis, your eyes will be red, itch, and leak watery fluid.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1699536618914\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What causes Keratitis and Conjunctivitis, and are there different types of each?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Both contagious and non-infectious things can cause Keratitis. In contrast, Conjunctivitis can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or allergies.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1699536644933\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What are the recommended treatment options for Keratitis vs Conjunctivitis?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Treatment depends on the condition. Keratitis treatments vary by type and may involve ocular drops or oral drugs. Antibiotics cure bacterial Conjunctivitis, whereas viral kinds usually resolve on their own. Get a diagnosis and customized treatment from a doctor.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"su-note\"  style=\"border-color:#cbcac8;border-radius:10px;-moz-border-radius:10px;-webkit-border-radius:10px;\"><div class=\"su-note-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"background-color:#E5E4E2;border-color:#ffffff;color:#36454F;border-radius:10px;-moz-border-radius:10px;-webkit-border-radius:10px;\"><strong>Citations:<\/strong><br \/>\nWhen referencing outside resources, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GoodrxMedicine<\/a> always provides full citations. To learn more about the measures we use to maintain the quality of our content, please review our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/content-information-policy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Content Information Policy<\/a>.<\/div><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/320347\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">medicalnewstoday.com<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/pink-eye\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20376355#:~:text=Pink%20eye%20is%20the%20inflammation,your%20eyelashes%20during%20the%20night.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">mayoclinic.org<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>To get the right treatment for your eye, it is important to understand the difference between the various eye problems.&nbsp; Keratitis and Conjunctivitis are two of the most common eye diseases that are often confused and thought of to be the same.&nbsp; In this article, we will take a look at Keratitis vs Conjunctivitis to &#8230; <a title=\"Keratitis vs Conjunctivitis: How are They Different?\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/eyecare\/keratitis-vs-conjunctivitis\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Keratitis vs Conjunctivitis: How are They Different?\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":405710,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"schema_drug_name":"","schema_drug_sameas":"","schema_strip_mentions_drug":"","custom_head_after_canonical":"","geo_latitude":"","geo_longitude":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[145],"tags":[285,283,284,286],"class_list":["post-405706","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-eyecare","tag-eye-treatment","tag-eyecare","tag-eyecare-causes","tag-eyecare-medicine"],"rankmath_meta":{"title":"Keratitis vs Conjunctivitis: What is the Difference?","description":"Keratitis affects the cornea of our eye while Conjunctivitis affects the inner lining of the eyelid. Click for: Keratitis vs Conjunctivitis.\u00a0"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/405706","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/21"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=405706"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/405706\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":440261,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/405706\/revisions\/440261"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/405710"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=405706"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=405706"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=405706"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}