Conjunctivitis - Bacterial vs Allergic

    I have been diagnosed with conjunctivitis, the only problem is that my Dr does not know which type it is yet (bacterial vs allergic). She did culture the eye and prescribed two types of medication. One was an antihistamine eye drop (began with a P), the other mediciation to treat it if its the bacterial conjunctivitis is doxycycline.

When I went home, I researched doxycycline and was surprised to learn that it treats chlaymdia! I am almost positive I don't have this and am wondering why she would prescribe this. Can this treat other type of bacterial conjunctivitis?


Thanks!

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

I hope you are seeing a board-certified ophthalmologist.  If not, make an appointment asap.  I sometimes use doxycycline in low (sub-antibiotic effect) doses of 50mg a day or so to treat chronic lid margin disease like blepharitis or acne rosacea.  We really don't use it much, as ophthalmologists, for its antibacterial effect but more for its ability to reduce oily secretions on the eyelid margin and some anti-inflammatory effects.  I'm a little confused at your regimen.  Generally if a culture was taken, a true ophthalmic antibiotic drop might be used.  Perhaps you are seeing a specialist ophthalmologist who is really treating lid margin disease or acne rosacea?  Chlamydia - is fairly uncommon in US so you would have to ask your doctor if he suspects that.  Unlikely - besides there are much better drugs to treat that with.

Michael Kutryb, MD

[matty_boston]

Thanks Dr. By the way, I was treated with topical erithromycin for 2 weeks and it did nothing to my conjunctivitis. Should this ointment usually cure  most types of bacterial infections including chlymdia?

Also what could they be looking for by doing a culture?



Also, I am going to an opthamologist affiliated with Massachusetts Eye and Ear

Thanks!

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

Probably just looking for usual suspects like staph, strep etc.  I've never seen chlamydia conjuctivitis in 12 years of practice - but I know it is possible.  Present your concerns to new doctor.   Good Luck.
Michael Kutryb, MD