Pink Eye

What is it?

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the thin, clear tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergies, or irritants like smoke and chemicals. While uncomfortable and highly contagious, most cases are mild and resolve within a few days to a week.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms of pink eye include redness, itchiness, tearing, a gritty feeling in the eye, and discharge that may cause eyelids to stick together—especially in the morning. In viral or bacterial cases, it typically affects one eye first and may spread to the other. Allergic conjunctivitis usually affects both eyes and comes with sneezing or nasal congestion.

What Causes It?

Pink eye has multiple causes: viral infections (like the common cold), bacterial infections (especially in children), allergens (pollen, pet dander), or chemical irritants (smoke, chlorine). Viral conjunctivitis is the most common and spreads easily through hand-to-eye contact or contaminated surfaces.

What to Expect During a Telehealth Visit for Pink Eye:

Your provider will ask about your eye symptoms, exposure history, and any accompanying cold or allergy symptoms.
They’ll help you identify whether the cause is likely viral, bacterial, or allergic and suggest appropriate next steps.
If bacterial pink eye is suspected, you may receive a same-day prescription for antibiotic eye drops.
Your provider may recommend follow-up if symptoms don’t improve in 2–3 days or if new symptoms develop.
If signs point to more serious eye issues, you’ll be referred for an in-person eye exam.

How to Treat Pink Eye

Treatment depends on the cause—bacterial cases respond to antibiotics, while viral cases usually clear up on their own. Allergic conjunctivitis improves with antihistamines or allergy drops.

Blurry Vision: If your sight is affected or worsens over time.
Eye Pain: Especially sharp or severe discomfort not relieved by drops.
Light Sensitivity: May suggest involvement deeper than the conjunctiva.
No Improvement: Symptoms that persist or worsen despite hygiene and medication.
Systemic Symptoms: Fever or facial swelling may indicate a spreading infection.

When Should I Go to Urgent Care or the ER?

Seek urgent care if you have worsening redness, pain, or discharge that doesn’t improve within 72 hours. Go to the ER if you experience vision changes, light sensitivity, severe eye pain, or if pink eye symptoms occur along with fever and facial swelling—these could signal a more serious condition that requires immediate attention.

Most pink eye cases are mild, but be alert for signs that need urgent care:

Breathing Difficulty: Trouble breathing, wheezing, or shortness of breath could signal a serious response.
Facial Swelling: Swelling of the lips, eyes, or tongue may indicate a dangerous allergic reaction.
Dizziness or Fainting: Feeling lightheaded or passing out could be related to low blood pressure from anaphylaxis.
No Response to Meds: If symptoms don’t improve after taking allergy medications, you may need emergency care.

You can help prevent emergencies by carrying fast-acting medication if prescribed and avoiding high-risk allergens.

How to Prevent Future Flare-Ups?

Prevent pink eye by practicing excellent hygiene: avoid touching your eyes, wash your hands regularly, and never share towels, makeup, or eye drops. Replace contact lenses as directed and clean lens cases properly. If you have seasonal allergies, manage them proactively to reduce the chance of allergic conjunctivitis.

Your eye health affects your clarity, comfort, and confidence—starting with your vision.

How It Works

1. Purchase Your Visit

Add your visit to the cart and complete your purchase—it only takes a few minutes. Once paid, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your next steps.

2. Register and Book Your Appointment

You’ll be invited to register in our secure patient portal. Once inside, you’ll be prompted to schedule your appointment. After booking, check your email for the required medical forms—these must be completed and signed before your visit.

3. Meet With a Doctor and Get Treated

On the day of your appointment, you’ll connect with a board-certified doctor by video. Prescriptions or treatments—if needed—will be sent to your preferred pharmacy or shipped directly to you.

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