WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT Options FOR A BACTERIAL EYE INFECTION (BACTERIAL CONJUNCTIVITIS)?
* Be aware that the recommended treatments of illnesses are always being improved. This website was last update on 11/1/2024. The best treatment option MIGHT have changed since that time.
1. For MILD bacteral conjunctivitis
A. Azithromycin eye drops *
B. Erythromycin ophthalmic *
C. Polymyxin B/trimethoprim *
2. Sometimes recommended for contact-lense wearers
A. Ofloxacin eye drops ~
B. Ciprofloxacin eye drops ~
3. For patients who have MILD Seasonal Allergies
A. Ketotifen Eye Drops
B. Opcon-A Eye Drops
C. Zaditor Eye Drops
D. Bausch & Lomb “Alaway” antihistamine Eye Drops
4. For patient who have severe Seasonal Allergies
A. See an Ophthalmologist for prescription antihistamine and corticosteroid eye drops
CAUTION:
1. The following 4 symptoms Require an examination from a Ophthalmologist or Optometrist
as soon as possible because they may indicate a serious eye condition that if is not treated quickly can lead to blindness.
A. Eye Pain greater than a little scratchy feeling
B. Change of Vision: This change refers to a permanent new change of vision that is not due to an eye that is watering.
It does not clear by blinking the eyes.
C. Increased sensitivity of Life
D. Foreign body Sensation
2. All medication, including all Antibiotics Eye Drops, have a risk of side effects.
3. Mild side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, itching, and light skin rash.
4. Possible Severe side effects are a severe skin rash, an anaphylactic allergic reaction
(leading to the inability to breathe and subsequent death if not treated rapidly), and
Clostridioides difficile infection (C. Diff.) of the colon.
5. Medications such as creams, lotions, and gels should be tested in small dosages in areas of the body that are not easily seen.
Consult “Epocrates.com” for each Specific Medication’s possible “Adverse Reactions.”
Side effects are also referred to as “Adverse Reactions.” Epocrates.com will tell you both “common
reactions” and “serious reactions.” You will have to create an account, but it is simple, fast, and free.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS AN EYE INFECTION?
The symptoms of a mild eye infection or mild conjunctivitis are the following: redness of the white part of the eye, excessive tearing, and a mucoid discharge. Tearing that is watery and occurs is both eyes is more likely due to viral infection, or due to a seasonal allergy. Thick mucous discharge that may cause the eyelids to be stuck together during night is usually bacterial.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF CONJUNCTIVITIS?
Not all cases of conjunctivitis (or a reddish appearing eye) are caused by an infection. There are several causes of conjunctivitis. Some are infections and some are NOT infections. Infections are usually caused by either bacteria or a virus. The most common bacteria that cause bacterial conjunctivitis are Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus species, Moraxella Catarrhalis, and Pseudomonas. Pseudomonas is the leading cause of infection in patients who wear contact lenses. Much less common bacteria that cause bacterial conjunctivitis are Chlamydia Trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
NON-infectious causes of conjunctivitis are seasonal allergies, dry eyes, and irritants that are in the air.
HOW IS AN EYE INFECTION CONJUNCTIVITIS (EITHER BACTERIAL OR VIRAL) DIAGNOSED?
Conjunctivitis is usually made by a careful history and examination of the eye. There is a rapid test that can be done in the office to determine if symptoms are due to the adenovirus—but this test is not needed to make a diagnosis. Severe symptoms should be evaluated by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.