Researchers recently found that 5% povidone-iodine (PVP-I) used as a one-time treatment is safe and well tolerated by patients with adenoviral conjunctivitis.

A recent double-masked trial included 56 participants randomized to a one-time administration of PVP-I or preservative-free artificial tears. The team assessed safety using corneal fluorescein staining, and visual acuity (VA) and tolerability using participant-rated overall ocular discomfort. 

In the PVP-I group, the study authors discovered that corneal staining increased immediately post-administration but returned to baseline levels by day one. They noted no change in VA between baseline and day one in either group. In the PVP-I group, they also found no change in participant-rated overall discomfort immediately post-administration or on day one compared with baseline. 

In the artificial tear group, on the other hand, they note that participant-rated overall discomfort was lower immediately post-administration but returned to baseline levels by day one. They add that there was one adverse event in the povidone-iodine group within the first two days that was unrelated to treatment.