Bacterial - Acute
- Usually begins unilaterally with involvement of the second eye within 24 to 48 hours.
- Moderate purulent discharge, conjunctival hyperemia, and eyelid swelling/redness. Preauricular lymphadenopathy usually absent.
- Cultures are not recommended unless infection is not resolving with standard therapy.
- Often self-limiting.
- Oral antibiotics not indicated.
- Topical corticosteroids not recommended.
- Avoid eye patching.
Usual Pathogens
S. pneumoniae
H. influenzae
S. aureus
Group A Streptococci
Moraxella spp
Proteus spp
| Empiric Therapy | Dose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Warm compresses | ||
+
Ophthalmic Solution (adults)
| Empiric Therapy | Dose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Gramicidin-Polymyxin B | qid | 7-10 days |
| or | ||
| Tobramycin 0.3% | qid | 7-10 days |
Ophthalmic Ointment (infants/children)
| Empiric Therapy | Dose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Bacitricin-Polymyxin B | qid | 7-10 days |
| or | ||
| Erythromycin 0.5% | qid | 7-10 days |