Chloramphenicol is a bacteriostatic antibiotic, meaning it stops bacteria from growing and multiplying rather than killing them instantly. It easily penetrates the ocular tissues and binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit of the bacteria. By doing this, it completely blocks the bacteria from synthesizing essential proteins required for their survival and replication. Once the bacterial growth is halted, your body’s natural immune system easily clears away the remaining infection.