A study to compare the use of fusidic acid viscous eye drops and chloramphenicol eye ointment in an accident and emergency department.

A total of 300 patients attending an Accident and Emergency department with ophthalmic complaints needing topical antibiotic treatment were treated with fucithalmic or chloramphenicol (chloromycetin). Their compliance and the incidence of side effects were assessed. There was a 70.3% response rate to the questionnaire. Of the patients 51.3% using fucithalmic completed the 5 day course compared with 37.2% of those taking chloramphenicol. However, no patients were found to have suffered as a result of failing to complete the course. The incidence of side effects was similar in both groups.