Why are my eyes red and itchy after Penicillin use?

Question

Hello doctor,

My eyes are itching and turning red. It all started when I felt a sharp pain in one of my eyes. I used Penicillin ophthalmic ointment, and the pain stopped, but a day later, both of my eyes began to itch. I am currently using Chloramphenicol eye drops, but my eyes are still itching. Please help.

Thank you

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

From the way your eye problem has developed, first a sharp pain in one eye, then later both eyes became red and itchy. This does not really look like a bacterial infection. The Penicillin ointment and Chloramphenicol drops you used are antibiotics, but itching and redness are usually more linked to allergy or irritation. That is why the antibiotic drops are not helping much.

Likely causes:

Eye allergy (allergic conjunctivitis that causes redness, itching, and watering).
Simple irritation from dust, smoke, or other triggers.

Tests that might be needed:

Right now, no tests are usually required.
If it does not get better, an eye doctor can check your eyes with a slit lamp (a special microscope to look closely at the eye surface) to make sure the cornea (the clear front part of the eye) is fine.

Other possible reasons:

Viral conjunctivitis (eye infection from a virus, often watery and spreads from one eye to the other).
Dry eyes (when the eyes do not produce enough tears).
Bacterial conjunctivitis (eye infection from bacteria, less likely here since itching is more prominent than sticky discharge).

Most likely diagnosis:

Eye allergy (allergic conjunctivitis).

I would suggest the following treatment:

Stop the antibiotics, as they are not useful here.
Use preservative-free artificial tears (lubricating drops) often to soothe the eyes.
Apply a clean, cold cloth over your closed eyes for relief.
Try not to rub your eyes.
Sometimes doctors prescribe anti-allergy eye drops (antihistamine or mast-cell stabilizer drops), but these need an eye doctor’s prescription.

For the follow-up, I would suggest:

If redness and itching continue beyond a week, or if you develop pain, blurred vision, or discharge, please see an eye doctor.
Keep track of any changes or worsening of symptoms.

You can take the following prevention tips:

Protect your eyes from dust, smoke, and pollen.
Wash your face and rinse your eyes with clean water after being outdoors.
Avoid using antibiotic drops on your own unless a doctor prescribes them.

 I hope this helps.

Kindly revert if there are any queries.

Thank you.