When is antibiotic treatment recommended for conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis, sometimes called pink eye, can be viral, bacterial, allergic or caused by irritation. Redness and discharge do not identify the cause by themselves. Viral cases often occur with a cold and do not respond to antibiotics; allergy may cause itching and needs trigger avoidance or other treatment. A clinician considers the discharge, one or both eyes, contact lens use, pain, vision and the appearance of the cornea before recommending drops or ointment. Newborns and people with weakened immunity need particularly prompt assessment.

Wash hands often, avoid touching or rubbing the eyes, do not share towels or eye makeup, and clean discharge gently with clean water. Stop wearing contact lenses until symptoms have cleared and a clinician advises restarting; discard or clean lenses and cases as advised. Do not use another person’s drops, leftover antibiotics or steroid eye medicine. Use a separate towel and avoid close eye contact while the cause is unclear.

Seek urgent eye care for significant eye pain, light sensitivity, blurred or reduced vision, marked swelling, injury, a chemical splash, or a feeling that something is stuck in the eye. Contact a clinician promptly if you wear contact lenses, symptoms are worsening, or a newborn has red or sticky eyes, because corneal infection can threaten sight.

Ask which cause is most likely, whether you need antibiotic drops, how to prevent spread at home, when contact lenses can be restarted, and what change should prompt urgent review.