Beware of antibiotic-containing eye drops

Antibiotic-containing eye drops should only be used with restraint

09/05/2014

Significant restraint is required in the use of antibiotic-containing eye drops due to the limited effect and possible development of resistant bacteria in the conjunctiva, reports the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG).

The previous use of antibiotic-containing eye drops for infection protection has not proven itself according to the DOG. The eye drops are used, for example, in patients with age-related macular degeneration to reduce the risk of infection from regularly required injections „German Medical Journal“. Before the injection, according to the recommendations of the manufacturer, the eye is protected with the antibiotic-containing eye drops. However, according to the DOG, this provisional treatment does not produce the desired protective effect.

Antibiotic eye drops do not develop the desired effect
„Previous studies have not shown that externally applied antibiotics reduce the number of infections“, cite that „German Medical Journal“ the expert of the University Eye Clinic Munich, Elisabeth Messmer. Instead, the development of antibiotic resistance could quickly be determined. Get the resistant germs afterwards „with a syringe in the eyeball, the treatment is much more difficult“, Messmer continues. Therefore, the „DOG along with other professional associations advocated not to treat the eyes with antibiotics before and after the injections, but to rinse with povidone-iodine (PVP-iodine) before surgery“, so the message of „German Medical Journal“. The antiseptic is used to disinfect the eye without developing resistance, explained the expert at the University Eye Clinic Munich. Although there is a risk of iodine allergies, these occur only rarely. Only „About four out of every thousand patients treated are affected“, so Messmer. In this case, converted to iodine-free antiseptics.

In conjunctivitis first renounce antibiotic-containing eye drops
Restraint is also required for the use of antibiotic-containing eye drops for acute conjunctivitis, reports „German Medical Journal“ continue. According to the DOG, antibiotic eye drops can usually be dispensed with for the first time because most conjunctivitis will heal without medication even after a few days. The DOG expert Messmer advises, in an acute conjunctivitis „To cleanse the eyes once a day with a cotton ball and boiled, lukewarm water.“In addition, the complaints could be further alleviated by tear replacement fluid. If there is no improvement in sight after three to four days, a medical examination of the inflammation is urgently required. (Fp)