Question
A newborn at home has been experiencing increased eye discharge since a few days after birth, appearing yellow and sticky, and it will cover the eyelashes every few hours if not wiped. Chloramphenicol eye drops have been used for two weeks with no significant effect. At one month old, an eye secretion drug sensitivity bacteria culture was performed, diagnosing a Klebsiella infection. Currently, ciprofloxacin eye drops and erythromycin ointment are being used for treatment. Although the discharge has significantly reduced and the secretion has turned white, it still needs to be wiped every four to five hours. Parents are worried about the potential adverse effects of long-term use of eye drops on the child’s body and whether there are other better treatment methods?
Answer
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, a thin, transparent membrane that covers the inner surface of the eyelids and the front part of the white of the eye. When the conjunctiva is stimulated, symptoms such as redness, swelling, and eye redness may occur. Conjunctivitis is also known as “red eye” and can affect one or both eyes. Symptoms include redness, swollen eyelids, itching, burning sensation in the eyes, tearing or overflow of tears, and difficulty opening eyes in the morning due to excessive discharge. Preventive measures include developing good habits of washing hands with warm water and soap frequently, not sharing eye care products with others, avoiding wearing contact lenses and doing eye makeup when eyes are red and swollen. If an eye infection is detected, seek medical help immediately and use disposable tissues or towels.