Superficial Eye Infections

Mild blepharitis

Antimicrobial treatment not necessary.

Conservative management including patient education around lid hygiene, use of artificial tear eye drops, and vitamin eye ointments should be considered.  Artificial tear eye drops, and vitamin eye ointments can be purchased from community pharmacies.  

Moderate and severe blepharitis

chloramphenicol eye ointment (1%) at night for up to 14 days, depending on response to treatment.

If conjunctivitis or keratitis present, ADD: 

fluorometholone eye drops (0.1%) qds and taper over 4 weeks

OR

dexamethasone preservative free eye drops (0.1%) qds and taper over 4 weeks

If anterior blepharitis is present, consider Demodex. Tea tree oil wipes may be purchased from community pharmacies. 

Treat associated blepharitis (see above)

AND 

chloramphenicol eye drops (0.5%) qds for 7 days

AND

dexamethasone eye drops (0.1%) qds and taper over 14 days