What is the recommended treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis?

The recommended treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis is antibiotic eye drops. This is because bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by various bacteria, and the primary goal of treatment is to eliminate the infection to prevent complications and promote healing. Antibiotic eye drops effectively target the specific bacteria responsible for the conjunctivitis, leading to a reduction in symptoms and resolution of the infection.

While warm compresses can provide comfort and help relieve symptoms like irritation and discharge, they do not address the underlying bacterial infection itself. Steroid eye drops may be used in some cases for inflammatory conditions, but they are not appropriate for straightforward bacterial conjunctivitis, as they can suppress the immune response and potentially worsen the infection. Over-the-counter antihistamines are typically used for allergic conjunctivitis, not bacterial, as they focus on alleviating symptoms rather than treating an infection. Thus, the use of antibiotic eye drops is crucial for effective management of bacterial conjunctivitis.