What should you know about eye antibiotics over the counter?

Redness, watering, itching, discharge, and discomfort can result from infection, allergy, irritation, a foreign body, or a problem deeper in the eye. Antibiotics act on selected bacterial infections; they do not treat allergy or every viral illness. A clinician may examine the eye surface, check vision, ask about contact lenses, and consider whether treatment is needed.

Using an unsuitable product can delay the right care, irritate the eye, or make it harder to recognise worsening symptoms. Do not use someone else’s drops, an old opened bottle, or medicine prescribed for a different problem.

Wash your hands before touching the eye, stop wearing contact lenses while the eye is red or painful, and avoid eye makeup until it settles. Use clean tissues for discharge and do not share towels or cosmetics. Ask a pharmacist or clinician to assess the symptoms before buying an antibiotic. If prescribed, follow the label exactly and do not share or save leftover medicine.

Seek urgent care for severe eye pain, reduced or changed vision, marked light sensitivity, an eye injury, chemical exposure, swelling around the eye, or symptoms in a contact-lens wearer. Prompt review is needed if discharge or redness is worsening, the eye cannot open comfortably, or symptoms do not improve as expected. A painful red eye should not be self-treated indefinitely.

Ask what is causing the eye problem, whether an antibiotic is appropriate, how long to use it, and which symptoms mean you need urgent review. Mention allergies, contact-lens use, pregnancy, and other medicines.