Surprising antibiotics risks for kids' pink eye
A recent study shows that most children in the U.S. receive antibiotics for pink eye, despite guidelines advising against it. The research found that over two-thirds of young patients were prescribed antibiotic eye drops, even though the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends against their routine use for conjunctivitis, which typically resolves on its own.
By analyzing 2021 insurance claims, this study revealed that 69% of nearly 45,000 children treated for pink eye received antibiotics. Doctor’s offices had the highest prescription rate at 72%. Experts emphasize that antibiotics are ineffective against viral pink eye, the most common type, and even bacterial cases usually clear without intervention. Supportive treatments like chilled towels and artificial tears are often sufficient.
Over the years, doctors have found that using a topical antiseptic could limit the need for antibiotics and reduce the potential for developing antibiotic resistance.
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