What is the primary treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis?

The primary treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis is antibiotic eye drops. This condition, which is characterized by inflammation of the conjunctiva due to bacterial infection, is effectively addressed using topical antibiotics. These medications work by directly targeting the bacteria responsible for the infection, helping to reduce symptoms and eliminate the pathogens.

Topical antibiotics, such as fluoroquinolones or sulfacetamide, are preferred because they achieve effective concentrations at the site of infection while also minimizing systemic side effects that can occur with oral antibiotics. The use of antibiotics is crucial in ensuring a swift recovery and preventing complications that can arise from untreated bacterial conjunctivitis.

In contrast, antiviral eye drops would be inappropriate for treating bacterial conjunctivitis, as they are specifically designed to target viral infections, not bacterial ones. Warm compresses may provide comfort or relief of minor symptoms but do not directly treat the underlying bacterial infection. Oral antibiotics could potentially be effective in treating widespread infections, but they are not the first line of treatment for localized conjunctivitis, where topical antibiotics are indicated.