Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Bacterial conjunctivitis is an infection of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane covering the white of the eye and inner eyelids. It causes redness, a gritty sensation, and a yellow or green discharge that often crusts the eyelids shut overnight. In humid tropical climates across Southeast Asia, the condition spreads easily, and outbreaks are common in schools and workplaces throughout the region.
Medicines used to treat Bacterial Conjunctivitis
What to expect and how it is treated
Most cases involve one eye first, then spread to the other within a day or two. The discharge is the key distinguishing sign: bacterial infections produce a thick, opaque discharge, whereas viral conjunctivitis tends to produce a watery one.
Antibiotic eye drops are the standard treatment. Ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin are fluoroquinolone antibiotics commonly used for this indication; tobramycin is another option, particularly for broader gram-negative coverage. All belong to the eye care and antibiotics categories. A short course of four to seven days is typically enough to clear the infection.
When to seek further attention
See a doctor promptly if vision becomes blurred, the eye is very painful (not just irritated), or symptoms do not begin to improve within two to three days of starting treatment. Newborns with any eye discharge need urgent medical review, as neonatal conjunctivitis has different causes and requires different management.