Key takeaways
Moxifloxacin (Vigamox) and gentamicin (Gentak) are both antibiotics used to treat bacterial eye infections, but they belong to different classes and have distinct uses. Moxifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic available as an eye drop, typically used three times a day for seven days to treat bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye). In contrast, gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic available as both an eye drop and an eye ointment, used to treat a broader range of bacterial eye and eyelid infections, including after eye surgery or injury. Gentamicin eye drops are used every four hours, or more frequently for severe infections, while the ointment is applied two to three times a day. Both medications can cause eye irritation, but moxifloxacin may also cause dry eyes and blurry vision. Gentamicin ointment can be messy and may slow corneal healing. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable.
