phenylephrine is a medication that stimulates alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. In eye care, it is most commonly used as an eye drop to enlarge the pupil and reduce surface redness. It is also used in other medical settings (such as nasal decongestion) in different formulations. In ophthalmology and optometry, phenylephrine is mainly a diagnostic and peri-procedural tool.
tropicamide is an ophthalmic (eye) medication used to temporarily dilate the pupil. It is commonly used in eye clinics to help clinicians examine the back of the eye. It can also temporarily relax focusing in the eye for certain types of vision testing. Its effects are designed to be reversible and short-acting compared with some related drops.
A mydriatic is a medication that makes the pupil larger (pupil dilation). It is commonly used as eye drops during eye exams and some eye treatments. Dilation helps clinicians see the back of the eye and, in some cases, reduces painful muscle spasm inside the eye.
famciclovir is an antiviral prescription medication used to treat infections caused by certain herpes viruses. It is taken by mouth and works throughout the body rather than being applied directly to the eye. In eye care, it may be used when herpes viruses affect the eyelids, cornea, or tissues around the eye. It is also commonly used outside ophthalmology for shingles and other herpes virus outbreaks.
valacyclovir is an antiviral prescription medicine used to treat infections caused by certain herpes viruses. It is commonly used in general medicine for cold sores, genital herpes, and shingles. In eye care, it is often used when herpes-family viruses affect the eyelids, cornea, or other eye tissues. It is taken by mouth and works throughout the body rather than being applied directly to the eye.
acyclovir is an antiviral medication used to treat infections caused by certain herpes viruses. In eye care, it is commonly used when herpes viruses affect the eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea, or deeper eye tissues. It does not “kill” viruses instantly, but it helps limit viral replication so the infection can settle. It is used in both outpatient and hospital settings, depending on severity.
trifluridine is an antiviral medication that is most commonly used as an eye drop. It is mainly used to treat certain eye infections caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV). In ophthalmology, it is best known for treating HSV infection of the cornea (herpetic keratitis). It is used under clinician supervision because dosing and monitoring depend on the specific corneal findings.
ganciclovir gel is an antiviral medication applied directly to the eye. It is most commonly used to treat certain viral infections of the cornea (the clear front window of the eye). In everyday terms, it helps reduce viral activity on the eye’s surface so the cornea can heal. It is typically prescribed and monitored by eye care clinicians in outpatient settings.
An **antiviral** is a medication that helps control infections caused by viruses. In eye care, antiviral drugs are used when viruses infect or inflame the **cornea**, **conjunctiva**, **uvea**, or **retina**. They are commonly used for infections related to **herpes viruses** (like HSV and VZV). Some antiviral treatments are topical (eye drops/gel), and others are taken by mouth or given by injection.
amphotericin B (topical) is an antifungal medication used on the surface of the eye. It is most often prepared as an eye-drop formulation for suspected or confirmed fungal eye infections. In eye care, it is commonly discussed in the context of fungal keratitis (a corneal infection). Because commercial ophthalmic products may be limited, it is frequently compounded by specialized pharmacies.
voriconazole (topical) is an antifungal medication prepared for use on the eye surface. It is commonly used as eye drops made by a compounding pharmacy rather than a standard commercial bottle. Its main role in eye care is treating fungal infections of the cornea and surrounding ocular tissues. It is typically used under close ophthalmic monitoring because fungal eye disease can progress quickly.
natamycin is an antifungal medication. In eye care, it is most commonly used as prescription eye drops for certain fungal infections of the cornea. It is also used outside ophthalmology in some food and agricultural settings to help control fungal growth. In clinical practice, it is discussed most often in the context of fungal keratitis (a fungal corneal infection).
An antifungal is a medication that helps treat infections caused by fungi. In eye care, antifungal drugs are used when fungus infects the cornea, inside of the eye, or surrounding tissues. They can be given as eye drops, ointments, injections, or pills, depending on the infection and location. Use and selection vary by clinician and case.
polymyxin B/trimethoprim is a combination antibiotic medication used in eye care. It is most commonly prescribed as an ophthalmic (eye) drop for certain bacterial eye infections. The two antibiotics work in different ways to help reduce or clear susceptible bacteria on the ocular surface. Clinicians may choose it for uncomplicated external eye infections where broad, practical coverage is needed.
azithromycin ophthalmic is an antibiotic eye medication used on the surface of the eye. It is typically formulated as eye drops (an ophthalmic solution) applied to the conjunctiva and eyelids. It is most commonly used for certain bacterial eye infections and related inflammation. It is prescribed in eye care settings such as optometry and ophthalmology clinics.
erythromycin ointment is a topical antibiotic medication in an ointment base. It is used on the eye surface and eyelids to help treat or prevent certain bacterial infections. In eye care, it is commonly prescribed for conditions affecting the conjunctiva (the clear lining over the white of the eye) and eyelid margins. It is also widely known for use in newborn eye infection prevention in some settings.
gentamicin is an antibiotic medication from the aminoglycoside class. It is used to treat certain bacterial infections by stopping bacteria from making essential proteins. In eye care, gentamicin is commonly used as eye drops or ointment for external eye infections. It also exists in injectable forms for serious infections in other parts of the body.
tobramycin is an antibiotic medicine used to treat certain bacterial infections. In eye care, it is commonly prescribed as antibiotic eye drops or ointment. It is also used in other medical settings, including inhaled and injectable forms for specific infections. tobramycin does not treat viral or fungal eye disease.
besifloxacin is a prescription antibiotic eye drop used to treat certain bacterial eye infections. It belongs to a medication class called fluoroquinolones. It is most commonly used for bacterial conjunctivitis (often called “pink eye” caused by bacteria). It is formulated for topical use on the eye rather than for oral or injectable use.
ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic medicine that targets certain bacteria. It belongs to a group called fluoroquinolones. In eye care, it is commonly used as eye drops or ointment for bacterial infections. It is also used in other parts of medicine as an oral or intravenous antibiotic.