What is the recommended treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis?

• A. Oral antibiotics
• B. Steroid drops
• C. Observation only
• D. Topical antibiotics, such as erythromycin ointment or trimethoprim-polymyxin B

Answer: (D)

Treat bacterial conjunctivitis best with topical antibiotics to deliver medication directly to the affected surface, speeding recovery and reducing contagiousness. Using eye drops or ointment such as an erythromycin ointment or a trimethoprim–polymyxin B combination provides high local concentrations at the conjunctiva and effectively covers common bacterial culprits like Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Haemophilus species. Systemic (oral) antibiotics aren’t typically needed because the infection is localized; they’re reserved for specific scenarios such as suspected gonococcal or chlamydial conjunctivitis or more severe disease. Steroid drops are avoided because they can suppress the immune response and potentially worsen infection or raise intraocular pressure. Watching without treatment is not ideal for typical bacterial conjunctivitis since it is contagious and can spread; antibiotics help shorten duration and transmission.