Conjunctivitis primary prevention

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sara Mehrsefat, M.D. [2]

Overview

There are no formal established methods for primary prevention of allergic conjunctivitis, keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye syndrome), and superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis. However, early determination of these conditions is very important in terms of morbidity.^[1]

Effective measures for the primary prevention of infective conjunctivitis include:^[2]

Change pillowcases frequently
Change towels and wash cloths daily
Do not share personal articles that come in contact with the eyes (e.g. eye make-up applicators, towels, wash cloths, eye droppers)
Handle and clean contact lenses properly
Keep hands away from the eye
Replace eye cosmetics regularly
Wash your hands often
Always wash hands with soap and water or an alcohol based hand sanitizer prior to and following contact with a person who has conjunctivitis.
Avoid contact with an individual infected with either the viral or bacterial form of conjunctivitis

Effective measures for the primary prevention of ophthalmia neonatorum include:^[1]

Prophylaxis
- Ocular prophylaxis with 0.5% erythromycin ointment or 1% tetracycline hydrochloride be given to all newborn
- Systemic prophylaxis with ceftriaxone 50 mg/kg IM or IV, single dose, is recommended in the neonate born to mothers with untreated or suspected gonococcal infection
Educate pregnant women on the importance of regular examinations to detect and treat sexually transmitted infections (STD)
Avoid vaginal delivery (HSV transmission rates are high for women who acquire genital herpes in the last few weeks of pregnancy)
Avoid ocular prophylaxis with silver nitrate

There is no established method for primary prevention of allergic conjunctivitis.