The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
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Review Meta Analysis
Acute infective conjunctivitis in primary care: who needs antibiotics? An individual patient data meta-analysis.
Acute infective conjunctivitis is a common problem in primary care, traditionally managed with topical antibiotics. A number of clinical trials have questioned the benefit of topical antibiotics for patients with acute infective conjunctivitis. ⋯ Acute conjunctivitis seen in primary care can be thought of as a self-limiting condition, with most patients getting better regardless of antibiotic therapy. Patients with purulent discharge or a mild severity of red eye may have a small benefit from antibiotics. Prescribing practices need to be updated, taking into account these results.