Study Finds Widespread Antibiotic Use for Pediatric Pink Eye Despite Guidelines

Doctors recommend antibiotics to most children and adolescents diagnosed with pink eye, despite guidelines preventing this practice, researchers disclose.

Two-Thirds of Young Pink Eye Patients Received Antibiotic Drop

According to their findings, more than two-thirds of young patients in the U.S. who sought medical attention for pink eye obtained medicine for antibiotic eye drops.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests against routine antibiotic use for conjunctivitis, noting that it commonly deals with it on its own, even when caused by mild bacterial viruses.

Pink eye is highly infectious, described by red, swollen, and infrequently itchy eyes. Simple solutions such as a cool, damp cloth and artificial tears are often adequate to lessen manifestations.

The research, based on 2021 insurance claims data nationwide, includes approximately 45,000 children cured of pink eye across numerous medical settings. It found that 69% of these patients were recommended antibiotics, either in drops or ointments.

Despite the high recommendation rate, return visits to healthcare providers for pink eye were unusual, accounting for less than 4% of cases, advising that restraining antibiotics does not commonly result in raised difficulties.

Among different medical settings, doctor's offices were most likely to recommend antibiotics (72%), followed by emergency rooms (57%) and eye clinics (34%).

Dr. Rupa Wong, a pediatric ophthalmologist at Honolulu Eye Clinic and spokesperson for the ophthalmology group, recommended that eye clinics may better diagnose the basic cause of pink eye, possibly affecting lower antibiotic prescription rates.

Dr. Daniel Shapiro, a pediatric emergency physician and study co-author, recognized the concern parents feel when their child has an eye infection, indicating the devastating appearance of red and inflamed eyes. However, he highlighted that antibiotics should not be unneeded when they may not give advantages.

The study did not delve into specific reasons for antibiotic prescriptions or their outcomes. Dr. Wong highlighted the accessibility of alternative supportive measures to soothe kids without relying on antibiotic eye drops.

How to Treat Pink Eye Effectively in Children and Teens?

Pink eye, which is highly infectious and can spread through direct or indirect contact like touching, coughing, and sneezing, emphasizes the significance of practices such as covering coughs and regular handwashing to refrain transmission. It can be infectious before manifestations emerge and remain so until manifestations decline.

Neonatal conjunctivitis is a concern for babies born to mothers with sexually transmitted infections during giving birth. However, routine STI screenings during prenatal care support diminish this danger. After birth, newborns may get antibiotic eye drops as protection.

• Diagnosis: Consulting a primary care provider is important to identify the suitable medication based on the particular type of conjunctivitis, whether viral, bacterial, or caused by allergies or irritants.
• Medication: Antibiotics may be recommended for bacterial viruses to lessen the span and intensity of manifestations. Viral infections generally improve on their own, with symptom relief as the focus.
• Home Remedies: Utilizing methods like warm or cool compresses and over-the-counter medications can alleviate discomfort and aid recovery.

Swift and accurate diagnosis, adherence to prescribed treatments, and supportive care are pivotal in managing pink eye effectively.