Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Not yet clinically reviewed
This protocol was migrated from the earlier Pharmapedia and Ward Guide apps for educational use. Follow your hospital's own policies and consult seniors when in doubt.
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.