Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Conjunctivitis is a common eye condition that accounts for 1% of all primary care visits. The present study was conducted to assess short-term bactericidal potential of a steroid-antibiotic combination versus steroid in the treatment of conjunctivitis. Materials & Methods: 72 patients of conjunctivitis of both genders were divided into 2 groups of 32 each. Group I patients were given combination of neomycin sulphate 3500 lU/mL, polymyxin-B sulphate 6000 lU/mL with dexamethasone 0.1%and group II were given 0.1% dexamethasone. Foreign body sensation, lacrimation, photophobia, and itching were assessed. Results: Group I had 18 males and 18 females and group II had 15 males and 21 females. There was significant difference in reduction in symptoms in group I and II in relation to itching, photophobia, erythema, conjunctival discharge, bulbar conjunctiva hyperaemia, lacrimation, foreign body sensation from baseline to day 4. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: The use of a fixed dose combination steroid-antibiotic product was more efficient for bacterial control and therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of conjunctivitis.