Ophthalmic ofloxacin is used to treat bacterial infections of the eye. This includes conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers (ulcers on the cornea) from bacterial causes.
Conjunctivitis is an irritation of the conjunctiva (the membrane that lines the inside surface of your eyelid). This irritation causes itchiness, redness, and a gritty feeling in the eye. Bacterial or viral infections or even allergies commonly cause conjunctivitis.
Corneal ulcers are open sores on the cornea, generally caused by an infection or an injury to the eye's surface. Symptoms of corneal ulcers include redness, pain, swelling, blurry vision, and excessive tear production.
Because ofloxacin is an antibiotic, it is ineffective against viral, parasitic, and fungal infections. This medication is prescribed to treat existing infections and should not be used as a preventative measure against bacterial infections. Doing so can cause antibiotic resistance, making the antibiotics we have less effective against bacterial infections.