Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Clinical Features

• Produce a copious purulent discharge. On waking up the eyes are glued together and difficult to open due to accumulation of exudate during the night
• The disease is usually self - limited, lasting about 10-14 days untreated.
• Most topical antibiotics hasten clinical remission.
• This infection is typically self - limited and benign, and no topical antibiotic has proven superiority over another
• In severe (hyper - purule nt) cases, examination of stained conjunctival scrapings and cultures is recommended, particularly to identify gonococcal infection.
• Gonococcal conjunctivitis usually occurs in two age groups.
• In infants: infection is transmitted from mother during delivery through the infected birth canal
• In adults: infection is sexually transmitted

Management of Bacterial Conjunctivitis

• Take swab for culture and sensitivity of conjunctiva with normal saline
• Topical antibiotic drops:

Vegamox / Moxigon (Moxifloxacin) eye drops 1 x 6 times a day for 1-2 weeks

Eye ointment: Tobrex or Chloramphenicol eye ointment at bedtime.

• Atropine eye drops 1 x 4 times in case of corneal involvement .
• Symptomatic treatment for pain or discomfort. if there is no improvement in three days, change antibiotics according to culture and sensitivity Advise photo gray glasses.