Treatment of bacterial keratitis

For assessment of bacterial keratitis, see Assessment of infectious keratitis.

There is no role for oral or intravenous antibiotic therapy in the management of bacterial keratitis unless the infection has spread to the sclera.

Note: Do not use oral or intravenous antibiotic therapy for bacterial keratitis unless infection has spread to the sclera.

Bacterial keratitis should be managed by an ophthalmologist. If ophthalmology review is delayed, start topical treatment in consultation with an ophthalmologist. UseMcDonald, 2014:

1ofloxacin 0.3% eye drops, 1 drop into the affected eye, every hour (including overnight) ofloxacin ofloxacin ofloxacin

OR

2ciprofloxacin 0.3% eye drops, 1 drop into the affected eye, every hour (including overnight) ciprofloxacin ciprofloxacin ciprofloxacin

OR

2cefazolin 5% + gentamicin 0.9% eye drops, 1 drop into the affected eye every hour (including overnight)1. cefazolin+gentamicin cefazolin+gentamicin cefazolin+gentamicin

Continue treatment until ophthalmology consultation. Modify therapy based on the results of culture and susceptibility testing, if available.

1 Cefazolin plus gentamicin eye drops require extemporaneous preparation. Combinations of other cephalosporins and aminoglycosides are also used.Return