How effective is antibiotic treatment for conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis causes redness, watering, discharge, irritation, or gritty discomfort. Bacteria, viruses, and allergies can produce overlapping symptoms, so antibiotic drops or ointment are not suitable for every case. A clinician may assess the pattern, examine the eye, and consider contact-lens use or recent exposure.

Even when antibiotics are appropriate, redness can take time to settle. Do not use someone else’s drops or leftover medicine, because the product may be unsuitable or contaminated.

Use the prescribed drops or ointment for the full advised period, washing your hands before and after application. Keep the bottle tip away from the eye and eyelids, and do not share towels, cosmetics, or eye products.

Pause contact lenses until the eye has recovered and your clinician confirms it is safe to restart them. Replace disposable lenses and clean reusable equipment as advised. Viral conjunctivitis can spread easily, so handwashing and avoiding eye rubbing are useful.

Arrange medical review if symptoms are not improving, discharge becomes heavier, or the problem keeps returning. Seek urgent eye care for significant eye pain, light sensitivity, vision change, marked swelling, injury, or symptoms in a contact-lens wearer.

Ask whether the pattern suggests bacterial, viral, or allergic conjunctivitis, how to apply the medicine, when lenses can be worn again, and which changes need urgent review.