Experimental Eye Drop May Prevent Spread Of Viral Conjunctivitis

.

WebMD  (10/1, Boyles) reported that according to a study published in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, "an experimental eye drop might stop viral pinkeye in its tracks and keep family members, schoolmates, coworkers, and other close contacts of patients from becoming infected." While "the drops have not been studied in humans...researchers say they are optimistic the treatment will prevent infection by tricking the virus into binding to artificial surfaces in the drops designed to mimic key cells in the eye." The study's author pointed out that at that point, "the entrapped virus should be easily washed from the eye in tears," thereby preventing the spread of viral conjunctivitis.