Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Clinical Description

An acute conjunctivitis that develops secondary to a bacterial infection

Signs and Symptoms

• Pinkness or redness of the eye
• Burning, itching
• A sensation of grittiness or mild pain or discomfort in the eye.
• Thick, sticky discharge from the eye and swollen eye lids.
• It is usually bilateral but may be unilateral.

Treatment

• Eyelids to be cleaned of discharge before using topical antibiotics.
• Eye drops options include:
• Chloramphenicol 0.5%,
• Ciprofloxacin 0.3%,
• Ofloxacin 0.3%
• Moxifloxacin 0.5%

Note: Eye ointments such as Chloramphenicol and Tetracycline provide higher concentrations for longer periods than drops but inappropriate for day use because of blurred vision.