Managing Eye Inflammation: Can I Continue My Medication?

Q: Managing Eye Inflammation: Can I Continue My Medication?

Hello Hank： You can try using it; there will be no drug resistance. <br>If it is effective, you should see improvement within a day or two. <br>If there is no improvement, it is still recommended to seek medical attention! In Taiwan, the ophthalmology department at Puzi Hospital

Pupil dilation and conjunctivitis medications?

Dear Doctor, I had a retinal examination at the hospital 10 days ago.
After the dilation drops wore off, I used alcohol-containing wipes to clean around my eyes.
That day, my eyes were red and swollen, with minimal discharge but tearing; they weren't too itchy or painful.
The next day, I went to the ophthalmologist, who diagnosed me with conjunctivitis and prescribed Chloramphenicol 0.25% and VISCONE 0.1% eye drops, to be applied four times a day.
After using them for 8 days, I noticed improvement and stopped the medication, although I still had half a bottle left.
Two days later, I woke up with my eyes still quite red, feeling like they haven't fully healed.
Given the recent COVID-19 pandemic, I would prefer not to visit the hospital again.
Can I continue using those two bottles of medication? Will a three-day gap without medication lead to antibiotic resistance? Thank you, Doctor!

Hank, 60~69 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/03/03

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello Hank: You can try using it; there will be no drug resistance.
If it is effective, you should see improvement within a day or two.
If there is no improvement, it is still recommended to seek medical attention! In Taiwan, the ophthalmology department at Puzi Hospital is available on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and on Wednesday afternoons from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Online responses can only serve as a reference; if necessary, you should visit a medical institution.
I hope to have the opportunity to serve you.
Gao Pilin

Reply Date: 2020/03/03

More Info

Managing eye inflammation, particularly conditions like conjunctivitis, can be challenging, especially when considering the use of medications and the potential for complications. Based on your situation, here are some insights and recommendations.

Can I Continue My Medication?
Given that you were prescribed chloramphenicol (氯絲菌素) and Viscotears (如視點眼液) for your conjunctivitis, it is generally safe to continue using these medications if you still experience symptoms of redness and discomfort. Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic that can help treat bacterial infections, while Viscotears is a lubricating eye drop that can alleviate dryness and irritation.

However, it is crucial to follow the prescribed dosage and frequency. Since you mentioned that you have already used the medications for eight days and noticed some improvement, it is reasonable to continue using them for a few more days, especially since your symptoms have not completely resolved.

Concerns About Resistance
Regarding your concern about developing antibiotic resistance, it is important to note that resistance typically arises from inappropriate use of antibiotics, such as not completing a prescribed course or using them unnecessarily. If you are using chloramphenicol as directed and only for the duration recommended by your doctor, the risk of developing resistance is low. However, if you notice that your symptoms are not improving or are worsening after a few more days of treatment, it would be advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, even if it means seeking telehealth options due to the ongoing pandemic.

Monitoring Symptoms
Keep a close eye on your symptoms. If you experience increased redness, pain, discharge, or any changes in vision, it is essential to seek medical attention. While it is understandable to avoid hospitals during the pandemic, many healthcare providers offer virtual consultations that can help assess your condition without the need for an in-person visit.

Self-Care Measures
In addition to your medications, consider implementing some self-care measures to support your eye health:
1. Warm Compresses: Applying a warm compress to your eyes can help reduce inflammation and discomfort. Use a clean cloth soaked in warm water, wring it out, and place it over your closed eyes for a few minutes.

2. Avoid Irritants: Stay away from smoke, dust, and other irritants that can exacerbate your symptoms. If you wear makeup, consider avoiding it until your eyes have fully healed.

3. Proper Hygiene: Ensure that you wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your eyes to prevent further irritation or infection.

4. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help maintain overall hydration, which can also benefit your eye health.

Conclusion
In summary, it is generally safe to continue using your prescribed eye medications if symptoms persist. Monitor your condition closely, and do not hesitate to seek medical advice if your symptoms do not improve or worsen. Remember that while it is important to manage your eye health, your overall well-being is also crucial, so take care of yourself during this time. If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out for more guidance.

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