Doctors are prescribing them when they aren’t needed.
Recent research has highlighted a common practice among doctors: prescribing antibiotics to children and teenagers with pink eye, despite recommendations discouraging their routine use. The study, based on a comprehensive analysis of insurance claims from 2021, revealed that over two-thirds of young patients in the United States who sought medical attention for pink eye received prescriptions for antibiotic eye drops or ointments.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology advises against this practice, emphasizing that pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is frequently caused by viruses that antibiotics cannot treat. Even bacterial cases often resolve without antibiotics, the academy notes, underscoring the effectiveness of self-limiting treatments and basic symptom management.
Pink eye typically presents with symptoms like redness, swelling, and occasional itching of the eyes, and it is highly contagious. Remedies such as applying a cool, damp cloth or using artificial tears are generally sufficient to alleviate discomfort and aid recovery.
The study, published in JAMA Ophthalmology, analyzed data from nearly 45,000 children treated for pink eye across various healthcare settings, including doctor’s offices, eye clinics, and emergency rooms. It found that 69% of these patients received antibiotics. Doctor’s offices had the highest prescription rate at 72%, followed by emergency rooms at 57%, and eye clinics at 34%.
Dr. Rupa Wong, a pediatric eye specialist and spokesperson for the ophthalmology group, suggested that the disparity in antibiotic prescribing rates may stem from differences in diagnostic capabilities among healthcare settings. She pointed out that eye clinics, with their specialized tools and expertise, are better equipped to accurately diagnose the cause of pink eye and prescribe appropriate treatments tailored to the specific case.
Dr. Daniel Shapiro, a pediatric emergency physician and co-author of the study, acknowledged the concern parents experience when their child has an eye infection, noting the visible discomfort caused by pink eye symptoms. However, he stressed the importance of judicious antibiotic use, particularly in cases where their efficacy is limited.
The study did not delve into the specific reasons behind each antibiotic prescription or their outcomes. Nevertheless, Dr. Wong highlighted that the low rate of return visits for pink eye cases, regardless of antibiotic use, suggests that avoiding antibiotics does not increase the risk of complications or serious issues. She emphasized the significance of exploring alternative supportive measures to manage symptoms effectively without relying solely on antibiotic eye drops.
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