Abstract

Purpose: To study the efficacy of 1% betadine wash (BW) for management of acute and recalcitrant viral conjunctivitis.
Method: 1328 patients of acute conjunctivitis were included in study, 664 patients (Group A) received one time 1% (BW) along with the artificial tears and other 664 (Group B) were prescribed artificial tears. Response to treatment were recorded on day 1,2,3,7,10 and 14.
Results: Commonest causative agents were adenovirus and enterovirus. Outcome measures were conjunctival signs and patient satisfaction level. 73% of Group A patients showed improvement in a mean duration of 2.6 days+/-0.51days and 33% of Group B patients took a mean duration of 7.5 days to recover, 13% progressed to recalcitrant conjunctivitis who recovered with BW, complications like subconjunctival haemorrhage and SPK’s were seen in Group B patients.
Conclusion: One time Betadine wash is cost effective, useful to hasten recovery and reduce complications from viral conjunctivitis.

Full Text