Eye Antibiotics And RX Ophthalmic Solutions and Ointments

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Conjunctivitis is an eye condition characterized by a redness and swelling of the thin membrane between the outermost layer of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. Other terms used to describe the condition include "pink eye" and "madras eye".

Pink eye can actually be caused by a myriad of different problems and depending on the cause it may or may not be contagious.

Often conjunctivitis is caused by virus, bacteria, dried out eyes, chemicals, smoke or even allergies. If your pet is itching at his eyes, squinting, keeping their eye shut, if their eyes appear red or swollen or if there is a lot of drainage you might want to consider having them checked for pink eye. If it is bacterial you will want to treat the infection, or if it is viral you will want to treat it to control outbreaks before it is allowed to spread to other animals. And of course, you do no want your pet to suffer from the discomfort of it either. It is also possible that pink eye symptoms may be representing another or additional problem, something your veterinarian should be able to determine.

It will be important to determine the cause of the pink eye before beginning treatment, this is because the wrong treatment could actually be detrimental.

Ointments and solutions of course differ in consistency. Which variety your veterinarian chooses for your pet may depend on the medicine he chooses to use as some meds will only come in one form.

Sometimes the medication in an ointment will be absorbed more quickly into the skin. Potency can also differ on the same med between the ointment form and the solution variety. Ointments are viscous, semi-solid and thicker than liquid eye drops and can sometimes have more of a moisturizing, less irritating and more soothing effect on the eye.

Ointments sometimes have more stability than solutions or suspensions. One thing we personally like better about solutions however is the fact that it is easier to drop the liquid right into the eye, we don't have to get the container as close to the eye and there is less greasy mess left behind around the eye. On occasion your veterinarian may prescribe both a drop and an ocular ointment to be used in conjunction with each other.

When giving eye medications it is always important to follow your veterinarian's exact instructions. And to avoid injury, you will also want to be careful not to let the ointment tip or solution bottle touch your pet's eyes. If your pet is inclined to jump when some thing goes into its eyes it may be helpful to have someone help hold them when giving the med. Most medication solutions and eye ointments are defined as "sterile" which means that if the dropper or bottle comes into contact with anything - your pet's eye, your hands, a table top, etc. the med itself could become contaminated - which is not good. So keeping the container clean during administration is of particular safety and importance.