Adult

Acute bacterial conjunctivitis

  • Acute bacterial conjunctivitis is frequently self-limiting (41% resolve within 6-10 days without antibiotic therapy).
  • The use of antibiotic eye drops is associated with modestly improved rates of clinical and microbiological remission compared to placebo. Use of antibiotic eye drops should be considered in order to speed resolution of symptoms and infection.

Other conjunctivitis guidelines can be found using the relevant link Neisseria Conjunctivitis, Chlamydial Conjunctivitis, Viral (including atypical) eye infections

Preferred

chloramphenicol eye drops (0.5%) every 2 hours for 2 days then reduce to qds for 3 days. 

OR

chloramphenicol eye ointment (1%) qds. Treat for 5 days. 

Second Line

ofloxacin eye drops (0.3%) qds for 5 days. 

OR 

levofloxacin preservative free eye drops (0.5%) qds for 5 days. 

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 01 Jul 2024