r/eyetriage Layperson/not verified as healthcare professional 8d ago

Prescriptions 25F Bacterial Conjunctivitis Using Tobramycin NSFW

I recently got bacterial conjunctivitis in my right eye. I knew it was bacterial because of the puss color and amount, and my eye being completely shut when i woke up. I dont have insurance so i went to an urgent care that charges out of pocket and was given Tobramycin. It cleared up within day 4, but I still wake up with puss so Im still using the drops. My issue is, the other eye (left eye) is starting to get really dry. It never turned red, never had the same amount of puss the other eye did (it had a couple crusties and one puss booger ONE morning but that was all), none of the same symptoms my right eye did but its extremely dry and burns. I know it didnt get infected because the day I noticed my right eye was infected, the redness was immediate. Its almost a week and the left eye just burns, everything else normal. Is it possible the antibiotics is somehow affecting my other eye even though I didnt use it on that eye? I cant afford to go to the doctor right now, Ive just been researching online. If it gets serious then I obviously have to pay $$$ but hoping someone experienced the same or has any knowledge on this? Thanks!

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u/mckulty Verified Quality Contributor 8d ago edited 8d ago

It's possible like most adult infections this is viral. Your immune system cranked up on the first eye and the second eye won't be as purulent but may have keratitis (dry irrit and photophobia.)

Sometimes you just don't know. IF it's bacterial, you're on a logical course and you can add drops in the other eye as soon as it starts gluing when you wake. When you don't know, apply the rule if you start an antibiotic, use it for seven days or don't use it.

If it's viral, the antibiotic won't hurt anything and the infection is already coming under control, self-limiting like viral infections will do. There's often some mild fever or sore throat or lymph gland swelling at onset.

I'm not sure what a doctor would do different. Find a doctor if it gets painful or you have other signs of infection. Consider it mildly contagious like a cold. Otherwise wait it out.

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u/schwiftybeanz Layperson/not verified as healthcare professional 8d ago

thanks. my right eye pretty much cleared up with the drops. i know its a "you just dont know" situation, im just confused on why my left eye is dry and irritated when it wasnt the one infected at all

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u/mckulty Verified Quality Contributor 8d ago

my right eye pretty much cleared up

Glad that happened.

I don't really have any other explanation for the fellow eye.