Chloramphenicol 1% Eye Ointment treats simple eye infections that cause grittiness and redness (acute bacterial conjunctivitis)sometimes known as "red eye". The conjunctiva is a translucent membrane that coats the inner surface of your eyelid and the white section of your eye. This antibiotic eye ointment is suitable for adults and children aged two years and over. The active ingredient (Chloramphenicol) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that targets bacterial conjunctivitis caused by chloramphenicol-susceptible organisms.