Conjunctivitus Treatment

Conjunctivitis is an infection or inflammation that affects the conjunctiva, a translucent lining that covers the interior of the eyelid and the sclera (the white of the eye). It manifests as pink coloring of the white of the eye. It is caused by a bacterial or viral infection, chemical exposures and allergic reactions. A type of conjunctivitis that only affects infants is ophthalmia neonatorum, which is caused by exposure to the chlamydia and gonorrhea in the birth canal.

Bacterial Treatment

• Bacterial conjunctivitis is treated with antibiotics in eye drop or ointment form.

Viral Treatment

• Viral conjunctivitis cannot be cured and treatments aim at relieving the symptoms with cold compresses, artificial tears and, in severe cases, topical steroid eye drops.

Allergic Treatment

• Allergic conjunctivitis is treated by attempting to remove the allergen, cold compresses, artificial tears, antihistamines and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen.

Chemical Treatment

• Chemical conjunctivitis is treated by flushing the eye or eyes with a saline solution and, in some cases, administering topical steroid eye drops.

Ophthalmia Neonatorum Treatment

• Ophthalmia neonatorum is treated with antibiotic eye drops.