What should you know about antibiotics for pink eye?

Conjunctivitis may be linked to a virus, bacteria, allergy or irritation. Antibiotics act against bacteria, so they cannot clear viral or allergic inflammation. Sticky or coloured discharge can occur with bacterial infection, but appearance alone cannot confirm the cause. A clinician considers the pattern of redness, discharge, discomfort, exposure and any contact-lens use before recommending treatment.

Do not use leftover drops, someone else’s medicine or medication that was prescribed for a different eye problem. If antibiotic drops or ointment are prescribed, follow the label and complete the instructed course unless the prescriber tells you to stop. Wash your hands, avoid touching the bottle tip to the eye, and keep it closed between uses. Remove contact lenses and ask when they can be worn again. Cleaning discharge gently can improve comfort while the cause is assessed.

Seek prompt care for eye pain, light sensitivity, vision change, injury, severe swelling or symptoms in a contact-lens wearer. Urgent assessment is needed for sudden loss of vision or rapidly worsening symptoms. Arrange a GP consultation if redness or discharge persists, returns after treatment, or affects a newborn. Do not delay care while trying different drops.

Ask what cause is most consistent with your symptoms, whether an antibiotic is needed, how to apply it, when to expect review, and when contact lenses and eye makeup can be used again.