Anti-inflammatory treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis, taking into account the characteristics of the pathogen

Relevance In ophthalmological practice, conjunctivitis occurs in about a third of patients with eye diseases, occupying a leading position in the prevalence of inflammatory processes. They can be caused by many factors: bacterial and viral infections, allergic reactions and various mechanical effects [1]. Among them, bacterial conjunctivitis accounts for a significant share and requires a comprehensive approach to treatment, including antibacterial therapy taking into account various types of resistant strains of microorganisms, and pathogenetic therapy aimed at reducing inflammation. During treatment, ophthalmologists are faced with a choice between the use of glucocorticoids (GCS) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as well as a choice of antibiotic use tactics taking into account the likely spectrum of pathogens [2, 3]. Thus, the use of NSAIDs is especially important in severe forms of bacterial conjunctivitis, accompanied by a pronounced inflammatory reaction, the drugs of choice can be diclofenac, ketorolac, bromfenac and nepafenac [1, 4]. GCS, in turn, are limited in use in the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis, their powerful anti-inflammatory effect can contribute to the spread of infection. The most common combination of drugs in the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis is a combination of antibacterial drugs with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, in addition, it is possible to use combination drugs, for example, tobramycin + dexamethasone. Such combinations contribute to the complex suppression of infection and a decrease in the inflammatory response. Conclusion Anti-inflammatory therapy is an important component of complex treatment. Preference should be given to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and the use of glucocorticosteroids should be carried out with an assessment of the risks and effectiveness of therapy. Key words: chronic conjunctivitis; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; antibacterial drugs; glucocorticosteroids