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All to often we see children that are sent to the ED for "Pink Eye" as the school nurse will not allow them back into class unless they are treated with antibiotics. A recent study out of New York identified 4 factors that are associated with low risk (<8% chance) of bacterial (culture postive) conjunctivitis. They are:
- age 6 years
- presentation during April through November
- watery or no discharge
- no glued eye in the morning
An editorial in journal watch comments that if this study can be replicated in other geographic areas we could change the practice of prescribing antibiotics that are not necessary.
References
Meltzer JA et al. Identifying children at low risk for bacterial conjunctivitis. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2010 Mar; 164:263.