| Sheikh A et al, 1999, UK | 527 patients, from 3 studies, with acute bacterial conjunctivitis randomised to receive either topical antibiotic preparation or placebo | Meta-analysis | Early (days 2–5) clinical remission | RR 1.31 (99% CI 1.11 to 1.55) | Inclusion criteria of swab proven acute bacterial conjunctivitis in only 2 of the 3 studies |
| | | Late (days 6–10) clinical remission | RR 1.27 (99% CI 0.92 to 1.74) | Different topical antibiotic preparations in each of the 3 studies |
| | | | | Selected specialist care patient populations |