Bacterial conjunctivitis treatment with antibiotics

Antibiotic treatment may help bacterial conjunctivitis, but a clinician should assess the eye before any medicine is started. Redness and discharge can have causes that antibiotics do not treat, and the correct product depends on age, contact lens use, pregnancy, and the eye examination.

Bacterial conjunctivitis can cause a red eye with sticky or pus-like discharge, eyelid crusting, and irritation. [Eye Discharge](/symptoms/eye-discharge/) and [Red Eye](/symptoms/red-eye/) are not enough to identify the cause on their own. Marked [Light Sensitivity](/symptoms/light-sensitivity/) or vision change needs a different level of assessment because it may indicate involvement beyond the surface of the eye.

A [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) can help determine whether antibiotics are appropriate. If prescribed, use the medicine exactly as directed, complete the advised course, and avoid sharing drops or towels. Wash hands before and after touching the eye, gently clean discharge with clean water, and pause contact lenses until a clinician says they are safe. Do not use leftover drops or someone else's prescription.

Seek urgent eye care for severe pain, reduced or blurred vision that does not clear with blinking, strong light sensitivity, injury, chemical exposure, or a red eye in a contact-lens wearer. Get prompt advice if swelling spreads around the eye, the person is very unwell, or symptoms worsen despite treatment. These features need assessment rather than a change to antibiotic drops at home.

Does this look bacterial, viral, allergic, or something else? Which antibiotic formulation is suitable? When should improvement be checked? Should contact lenses be discarded or replaced, and when may they be worn again?