Eye infections - Pan Mersey APC

Antimicrobial Guide and Management of Infections in Primary Care

Eye Infections

Clinical diagnosis Blepharitis

Conjunctivitis BNFC Chloramphenicol BNFC Fusidic acid

Orbital cellulitis

Treatment advice First line: self-care Second line: Chloramphenicol 1% ointment BD 6 week trial Third line: Oxytetracycline* 500 mg BD for 4 weeks then 250 mg BD for 8 weeks OR Doxycycline* 100 mg OD for 4 weeks then 50 mg OD for 8 weeks

* Avoid in pregnancy First line: self-care Second line for bacterial infection: Continue self-care. Chloramphenicol 0.5% eye drops 2 hourly for 2 days then reduce frequency OR chloramphenicol 1% ointment QDS (or just at night if used with eye drops during the day) Third line: Fusidic acid 1% gel BD Treat for 48 hours after resolution

Comments and guidelines for lab testing

When no antibiotic given advise self-care: lid hygiene including warm compresses, lid massage and scrubs, gentle washing, and avoiding cosmetics.

Second line: topical antibiotics if hygiene measures are ineffective after 2 weeks.

Signs of Meibomian gland dysfunction, or acne rosacea: consider oral antibiotics.

Treat if severe, as most viral or self-limiting. 65% of cases resolve on placebo by day five.

When no antibiotic given advise self-care: bathe or clean eyelids with cotton wool dipped in sterile saline or boiled (cooled) water, to remove crusting. Explain red flags for urgent review and advise the person to seek further help if symptoms persist beyond 7 days.

For neonatal infections: treatment not indicated; advise cleaning only and take a swab for Chlamydia.

Urgent referral to hospital.

Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee

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