Bacterial Ocular Infection

1 medicine

A bacterial ocular infection is a bacterial infection of the eye or surrounding tissue, most often bacterial conjunctivitis, treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments.

Tobramycin and Dexamethasone Eye Drops

Tobramycin, Dexamethasone

0.1/0.3%

Tobramycin and Dexamethasone Eye Drops is a eye care medication containing Tobramycin + Dexamethasone, available as 0.1/0.3% tubes.

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Key facts

  • A bacterial ocular infection is an infection of the eye or surrounding tissue caused by bacteria; the most common form is bacterial conjunctivitis, but bacteria can also infect the cornea (keratitis) or eyelid margins (blepharitis).
  • Symptoms include redness, a gritty or burning feeling, sticky yellow or green discharge, and crusting around the eyelids after sleep, in one or both eyes.
  • Antibiotic eye drops or ointments are the standard treatment: tobramycin targets a broad range of common bacteria, and a combined preparation with dexamethasone is used when significant inflammation accompanies the infection.
  • Seek prompt attention if vision blurs, pain is severe, or the eye is very sensitive to light, since these can point to deeper involvement such as the cornea.

Recognising the signs

Symptoms typically include redness, a gritty or burning sensation, sticky yellow or green discharge, and crusting around the eyelids after sleep. One or both eyes may be affected. Unlike viral conjunctivitis, bacterial infections tend to produce thicker discharge, and the eye often feels more stuck shut in the morning than it would with a viral cause.

How bacterial eye infections are treated

Antibiotic eye drops or ointments are the standard approach. Agents such as tobramycin target a broad range of common bacteria responsible for these infections. When significant inflammation accompanies the infection, a combined preparation containing both an antibiotic and a corticosteroid such as dexamethasone may be used to manage the infection and the swelling together. The full range is available in the eye care category.

When to seek attention

Seek prompt attention if vision becomes blurred, pain is severe rather than mild irritation, or the eye becomes very sensitive to light. These signs can indicate a deeper infection, such as corneal involvement, that needs faster treatment than a routine case of conjunctivitis.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.