Best treatments for bacterial conjunctivitis

Understanding bacterial conjunctivitis

Bacterial conjunctivitis, commonly called pink eye, is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear tissue that lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the white of the eye. The CDC notes it is very contagious and caused by many types of bacteria, including staph and strep; in children it is often caused by Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Moraxella catarrhalis. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, it tends to cause a thicker, yellow-green discharge, and eyelid crusting overnight is most often caused by bacteria (MedlinePlus). The AAO notes that eye pain is usually associated with the bacterial form, though some people have little or no discharge. A healthcare provider usually diagnoses it by asking about symptoms and examining the eye; a swab of the conjunctiva may be taken for analysis in some cases (MedlinePlus). The CDC states acute bacterial conjunctivitis is typically self-limited within 1 to 2 weeks, though topical antibiotic therapy may reduce the duration of disease. Management centers on hygiene and, when appropriate, antibiotic eye drops. This is general information, not medical advice; see a clinician for diagnosis and care.

Frequently asked

What treats bacterial conjunctivitis?

Our catalog lists 9 products that may treat bacterial conjunctivitis, based on NIH RxClass (MED-RT “may treat”) drug-classification data — not the verbatim FDA label. They're rated where FDA recall-safety data exists; the current top-rated option is ocuflox.

What is the best-rated treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis?

By our independent recall-safety rating — not an efficacy measure — ocuflox ranks highest among the products we list for bacterial conjunctivitis. Always consult a professional.

How are these treatments ranked?

By our independent score, currently based on FDA regulatory recall-safety data (the methodology blends additional sources as they come online). See the How we rate page.

What types of drugs treat bacterial conjunctivitis?

Treatments for bacterial conjunctivitis span FDA drug classes including quinolone antimicrobial, fluoroquinolone antibacterial, corticosteroid. Compare every option side by side, ranked by independent rating, above.

Treatment associations are derived from NIH RxClass (MED-RT “may treat”) drug-classification data — not the verbatim FDA label. This is general reference, not medical advice — always consult a licensed professional.