From the Guidelines
Treatment for Irritant Conjunctivitis
The treatment of irritant conjunctivitis primarily involves supportive care and removal of the offending irritant.
- Artificial tears may be administered to lubricate and soothe the eyes 1.
- In some cases, a brief course of topical corticosteroids with a low side effect profile can be added to the regimen for up to 2 weeks if symptoms are not adequately controlled 1.
- Cooled preservative-free artificial tears can be used concomitantly to alleviate coexisting tear deficiency and dilute allergens and inflammatory mediators on the ocular surface 1.
- It is essential to note that while oral antihistamines may be used, they can induce or worsen dry eye syndrome and impair the tear film’s protective barrier 1.
- In severe cases, topical cyclosporine or tacrolimus can be considered as an alternative treatment option 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
For conjunctivitis and other superficial ocular infections Instill one or two drops into the conjunctival sac(s) of the affected eye(s) every two to three hours initially. The usual duration of treatment is seven to ten days. The treatment for irritant conjunctivitis is not explicitly mentioned, however, for conjunctivitis, the treatment is to instill one or two drops of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose into the conjunctival sac(s) of the affected eye(s) every two to three hours initially, with a usual duration of treatment of seven to ten days 2.
- Key points:
- Instill one or two drops
- Every two to three hours initially
- Duration of treatment: seven to ten days Note that the provided drug label does not explicitly differentiate between irritant conjunctivitis and other types of conjunctivitis.
From the Research
Treatment for Irritant Conjunctivitis
The treatment for irritant conjunctivitis is not explicitly mentioned in the provided studies. However, the studies discuss the treatment for various types of conjunctivitis, including:
- Viral conjunctivitis: supportive care options include artificial tears, cold compresses, and antihistamine eye drops 3
- Allergic conjunctivitis: treatment consists of topical antihistamines and mast cell inhibitors 4, 5, 3
- Bacterial conjunctivitis: topical antibiotics decrease the duration of bacterial conjunctivitis and allow earlier return to school or work 4, 6
Treatment Options
Some treatment options for conjunctivitis include:
- Topical antihistamines with mast cell-stabilizing activity for allergic conjunctivitis 3
- Topical antibiotics for bacterial conjunctivitis 4, 6
- Topical corticosteroids for severe cases of conjunctivitis, although their use is generally recommended with caution due to potential risks 7
- Topical moxifloxacin, a broad-spectrum antibacterial, for bacterial conjunctivitis 6
Key Considerations
When treating conjunctivitis, it is essential to: