Conjunctivitis is an eye infection that many people refer to as pink eye. Causes of conjunctivitis include viruses, fungi and allergic reactions, but bacteria may also cause it. In mild cases, bacterial conjunctivitis will resolve without treatment, but discomfort or severe cases may require treatment. An eye doctor will examine your eyes to determine the cause for your symptoms, and if your doctor determines you have bacterial conjunctivitis, she may prescribe an eye drop such as Vigamox.
Symptoms
Symptoms of conjunctivitis will vary from person to person, but the symptoms will be the same regardless of the cause of the condition. You may experience redness and discomfort on the surface of your eyes. Many people also have itching and watery eyes. Additionally, conjunctivitis may cause a thick discharge, and during the night, this discharge may dry on your eyelids and cause them to stick together.
Vigamox
Moxifloxacin is an eye drop also known by the brand name Vigamox. Many doctors use this medication to treat bacterial conjunctivitis. If your doctor prescribes Vigamox for your infection, she will tell you how often to use the drops and the number of days to use them. On average, a doctor will prescribe Vigamox three times a day for seven days. This dosage may vary depending on the severity of your condition.
Other Treatment
Instead of Vigamox, your doctor may choose to prescribe a different antibiotic eye drop to treat your bacterial infection. In some cases, particularly with children, your doctor may recommend an antibiotic ointment. The ointment goes directly into the affected eye, requiring you to gently pull down on the lower eyelid and place a small amount of the ointment in the area between the lid and eyeball. Ointments may cause temporary blurry vision, but this will clear as the ointment dissolves. Your doctor may also recommend holding a cool compress against your eyelids, such as a damp washcloth. This may provide some relief from discomfort and itching.
Considerations
If you have symptoms of pink eye, contact your doctor for an evaluation, and she will determine the best treatment for your condition. Vigamox may result in some side effects such as increasing eye discomfort, itching or redness. You may also experience side effects that do not involve your eyes such as sore throat, coughing or skin rash. Inform your doctor if you experience these symptoms or any other unusual side effects when using Vigamox.
