Pink Eye Treatment Online
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Guide for
Pink Eye Treatment Online
By Medical Editor:
Dr. Francesco-Maria Serino, MD, PhD
October, 2024
Summary
Pink eye is an inflammation of the eye, often caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergens. The medical term for it is “conjuntivitis”. It leads to redness, swelling, itching, and discharge. Viral pink eye (infection caused by a virus) is highly contagious, linked to illnesses like the common cold or COVID-19, and typically clears up on its own. Bacterial pink eye causes thick yellow or green discharge and is treated with antibiotic eye drops. It’s usually no longer contagious after 24-48 hours of treatment.
Allergic pink eye isn’t contagious and is triggered by allergens like pollen or pet dander, with antihistamine drops easing symptoms. To prevent the spread of viral and bacterial pink eye, proper hygiene is essential—wash hands frequently and avoid sharing personal items.
Pink eye can last from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the cause. Treatment varies, but most cases improve with rest, eye drops, and good hygiene practices. Whether in children or adults, pink eye should be addressed promptly to avoid spreading, especially in contagious cases.
What is pink eye?
Pink eye, medically known as conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent layer of tissue that lines the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. When this area becomes irritated or infected, the blood vessels swell, giving the eye a red or pink appearance. This condition is common and can be caused by various factors, including viral or bacterial infections, allergies, or irritants like smoke or chemicals. Pink eye is typically harmless but can cause discomfort, including itching, a gritty sensation, and discharge that may form a crust during sleep. While conjunctivitis is commonly associated with viral or bacterial infections, non-infectious causes such as allergies are also frequent.
Viral pink eye
Viral conjunctivitis, often referred to as viral pink eye, is usually caused by adenoviruses and is highly contagious. It spreads easily through direct contact with an infected person’s eye secretions or contaminated surfaces, including towels or makeup. Viral pink eye typically begins in one eye, causing redness, watery discharge, and a burning or gritty feeling. Symptoms may spread to the other eye within a day or two. Unlike bacterial pink eye, the discharge in viral pink eye is usually watery rather than thick. The condition often accompanies other viral infections, such as a cold or sore throat, and can last from a few days to a couple of weeks. Treatment mainly focuses on relieving symptoms, as the infection usually clears up on its own. Artificial tears and cold compresses can help soothe irritation.
Bacterial pink eye
Bacterial conjunctivitis, or bacterial pink eye, is caused by bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae. This type of pink eye is more common in children than adults and is highly contagious, spreading through direct contact with an infected person’s eye secretions or touching contaminated surfaces. Symptoms of bacterial pink eye include redness, swelling, and thick, yellow or green discharge that can cause the eyelids to stick together, especially in the morning. The condition typically starts in one eye and can spread to the other. Antibiotic eye drops or ointments, such as erythromycin, are commonly prescribed to treat bacterial conjunctivitis and reduce the contagious period. With treatment, bacterial pink eye can clear up within a week, and it’s no longer contagious after about 24-48 hours of antibiotic use.
What does pink eye look like?
In the early stages of pink eye, symptoms may be mild, making it hard to notice right away. These early stage pink eye symptoms often include slight redness, watery eyes, and a feeling of discomfort or grittiness, like there’s something stuck in your eye. At this point, many people mistake it for eye fatigue or allergies.
As the condition progresses, the signs of pink eye become more noticeable. The eye turns red or pink as blood vessels in the conjunctiva become more visible due to inflammation. You might also notice swelling of the eyelids, increased tearing, and a sticky discharge, especially after sleeping. In pictures of pink eye, you will often see one or both eyes looking irritated and swollen, with a pinkish hue and possibly some discharge around the corners.
The stages of pink eye typically begin with irritation and redness, and within a day or two, discharge or crusting around the eyes may appear. The discharge can be clear and watery, which is more common in viral cases, or thick and yellow/green in bacterial infections. The final stage is when the eye starts healing, and redness and swelling begin to subside.
Pink eye can affect one or both eyes and may spread from one eye to the other.
How do you get pink eye?
Pink eye can develop through several causes, depending on the type. Viral pink eye is commonly spread through contact with an infected person’s tears, eye discharge, or contaminated surfaces. For instance, touching your eye after using a tissue from someone with conjunctivitis can spread the virus. Bacterial pink eye spreads in much the same way but can also result from poor hygiene, such as not washing hands or sharing personal items like towels. Allergic conjunctivitis, which is not contagious, occurs when the eyes react to allergens like pollen, pet dander, or dust. Contact lens wearers may also develop pink eye if they do not properly clean their lenses. Good hygiene, such as regular handwashing and avoiding eye rubbing, helps prevent the spread of infectious pink eye.
Is pink eye contagious?
Yes, pink eye can be highly contagious, especially when caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Viral conjunctivitis is particularly easy to spread, as it can be transmitted through contact with infected tears, eye discharge, or contaminated surfaces. In contrast, allergic pink eye and forms caused by environmental irritants are not contagious. To reduce the spread of contagious pink eye, it’s important to avoid touching your eyes, wash your hands frequently, and not share personal items like towels or makeup. People with pink eye should stay home from school or work until the infection is no longer contagious. Generally, pink eye is no longer contagious after 24-48 hours of starting antibiotic treatment, although viral pink eye may remain contagious for a few days longer.
Did you know that...
If you have symptoms of pink eye, you should stop wearing contact lenses for a short time. If your contact lenses are disposable just throw them away and use new ones. If they are not disposable, clean them with more attention than usual. Throw away your contact lens case and replace it with a new one.
Pink eye symptoms
The symptoms of pink eye vary depending on the cause, but common signs include redness in one or both eyes, itching, a gritty feeling, tearing, and discharge. Bacterial pink eye typically causes a thick, yellow or green discharge that can crust over the eyelids, while viral pink eye produces watery discharge and may be accompanied by cold-like symptoms such as a sore throat. Allergic conjunctivitis is often marked by intense itching, redness, and watery eyes. In the early stages of pink eye, symptoms may be mild, including slight irritation and redness, but they can quickly worsen if left untreated.
Pink eye diagnosis
Diagnosing pink eye (conjunctivitis) generally involves a review of symptoms, medical history, and a physical examination of the eye. For most cases, diagnosis is made clinically, meaning no lab tests are needed unless the symptoms are severe or unusual. In these cases, a swab of the conjunctiva may be taken to determine whether the infection is bacterial, viral, or caused by allergies or irritants. Clinicians often distinguish between the different types of pink eye by looking at the discharge: viral pink eye typically produces watery discharge, while bacterial pink eye often causes thicker, yellow or green discharge. Redness, irritation, and tearing are common signs regardless of the cause, but the presence of itching is more characteristic of allergic conjunctivitis.
It’s important to differentiate pink eye from other eye conditions. For instance, dry eye syndrome or an ocular foreign body may cause redness and irritation, mimicking conjunctivitis. Additionally, more serious conditions like keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), iritis (inflammation of the iris), or angle-closure glaucoma can be misdiagnosed as pink eye due to similar symptoms like redness and discomfort. If you have photophobia (sensitivity to light), severe pain, or blurred vision, these may be signs of a more serious condition requiring immediate medical attention at a specialized center or at an ER.
Common pink eye medications
Erythromycin
eye drops
Trimethoprim-polymyxin B
eye drops
Pink eye treatment online overview
The treatment for pink eye depends on its cause. Viral conjunctivitis is self-limiting, meaning it typically goes away on its own within a couple of weeks. During this time, symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter artificial tears, cold compresses, and avoiding eye irritation. For bacterial conjunctivitis, antibiotic eye drops or ointments are commonly prescribed to speed up recovery and reduce contagiousness. Erythromycin and trimethoprim-polymyxin B are frequently used, applied 3-4 times daily for 5-7 days. These medications can help resolve bacterial pink eye in as little as a few days, but you may remain contagious for 24-48 hours after starting treatment.
For allergic conjunctivitis, which is not contagious, treatment focuses on reducing exposure to allergens and using antihistamine eye drops to alleviate symptoms like itching and redness. In some cases, cool compresses can provide relief for the discomfort associated with pink eye, regardless of the cause.
Pink eye drops
Various eye drops are available for different types of pink eye. For bacterial pink eye, antibiotic eye drops like erythromycin or trimethoprim-polymyxin B are effective in clearing the infection within a week. Viral conjunctivitis, however, does not respond to antibiotics, and treatment typically involves supportive care with lubricating artificial tears. Over-the-counter options like naphazoline-pheniramine drops may help with redness and discomfort. For allergic conjunctivitis, antihistamine or decongestant eye drops are commonly used to reduce itching and inflammation.
It is important to note that eye drops for bacterial infections should be used as prescribed, even after symptoms improve, to ensure complete eradication of the bacteria. Do not share eye drops, as this can spread the infection.
How long is pink eye contagious after starting drops?
In cases of bacterial pink eye, most people are no longer contagious after 24-48 hours of starting antibiotic eye drops. However, it’s still important to follow good hygiene practices, such as washing hands frequently and avoiding contact with others. Viral pink eye, on the other hand, can remain contagious for several days to a couple of weeks, depending on the severity of the infection. Even after symptoms subside, the virus may still be present, so it’s essential to take precautions. For pink eye in babies or children, it is important to follow the advice of a doctor on when it is safe to travel to prevent spreading the infection to others.
How can Doctorsa Virtual Care help with a pink eye flare up?
No matter where you are, our platform quickly connects you with doctors for immediate virtual care, available 24/7. A doctor can assess your symptoms and discuss online treatment options to help with your pink eye symptoms. You can even receive prescriptions right in your email, along with follow-up care, all from the comfort of wherever you happen to be. It’s the ideal solution for international travelers looking for fast and reliable medical support.
References
Friedlaender, M. H. (1995). A review of the causes and treatment of bacterial and allergic conjunctivitis. Clinical Therapeutics, 17(5), 800-813.
Azari, A. A., & Barney, N. P. (2013). Conjunctivitis: A systematic review of diagnosis and treatment. JAMA, 310(16), 1721-1729. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2013.280318
Chen, Y. Y., Liu, S. H., & Nurmatov, U. (2023). Antibiotics versus placebo for acute bacterial conjunctivitis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2023(3), CD001211. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001211.pub4
Wilkins, M. R., Khan, S., Bunce, C., et al. (2011). A randomised placebo-controlled trial of topical steroid in presumed viral conjunctivitis. British Journal of Ophthalmology, 95(9), 1299-1303. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjo.2010.188185
Penza, K. S., Murray, M. A., & Myers, J. F. (2020). Treating pediatric conjunctivitis without an exam: An evaluation of outcomes and antibiotic usage. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 26(2), 73-77. https://doi.org/10.1177/1357633X18823351
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How does it work?
99% of our users solve their issue within 1 hour. No waiting, no language barriers, no insurance needed.
Answer a few questions
Just answer a few questions about your pink eye symptoms and choose a convenient time for your online session. It’s simple and hassle-free, with no need to sign up.
Select and connect
Doctors respond in minutes. Select your preferred one and start your virtual consultation right from your web browser.
7-day free follow-up chat
Reach out to your doctor with any questions you might have, at no extra cost for 7 days following your consultation.
Your questions answered
What causes pink eye in adults?
Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, in adults can be caused by several factors:
Viral infections: Viral conjunctivitis is often caused by adenoviruses and is highly contagious. It may accompany respiratory infections like a cold and can involve symptoms such as watery eyes and a gritty sensation.
Bacterial infections: Bacterial conjunctivitis is commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae. In adults, Staphylococcus aureus is the most frequent bacterial cause. Symptoms include redness, purulent (pus-like) discharge, and eyes that feel “stuck shut” in the morning.
Allergies: Allergic conjunctivitis results from exposure to allergens such as pollen, dust, or pet dander, causing redness, itching, and watery discharge.
Irritants: Chemical irritants like chlorine, smoke, or dust can lead to toxic conjunctivitis, causing redness and discomfort.
How contagious is pink eye?
Pink eye (conjunctivitis) can be highly contagious, especially when caused by viral or bacterial infections:
Viral conjunctivitis: This is very contagious and spreads through direct contact with an infected person’s eye secretions, or by touching contaminated objects and surfaces. Adenovirus, the most common cause, can spread rapidly in close quarters like schools or workplaces.
Bacterial conjunctivitis: Bacterial forms are also highly contagious, particularly those caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Haemophilus influenzae. It can spread through contact with eye discharge, contaminated surfaces, or shared items like towels.
In contrast, allergic and irritant forms of conjunctivitis are not contagious since they aren’t caused by infections.
Does pink eye hurt?
Pink eye typically causes discomfort but not severe pain. The level of discomfort varies depending on the type:
Viral conjunctivitis: Often causes a gritty, burning, or sandy feeling in the eye, along with redness and watering. The discomfort can be mild to moderate but isn’t usually described as painful.
Bacterial conjunctivitis: Can cause irritation, a gritty sensation, and a sticky or pus-like discharge, but severe pain is uncommon. The affected eye may feel uncomfortable, particularly with the buildup of discharge.
Allergic conjunctivitis: Itching is the primary symptom, along with redness and watery eyes. While this can be bothersome, it usually doesn’t cause significant pain.
If there is severe pain, sensitivity to light (photophobia), or vision changes, this could indicate a more serious condition, such as keratitis or iritis, which would require immediate medical attention.
How does pink eye spread?
Pink eye spreads primarily through direct or indirect contact with the infected person’s eye secretions. The mode of transmission depends on the cause:
Viral conjunctivitis: Highly contagious, it spreads through:
- Direct contact with infected eye secretions (e.g., through handshakes, touching the eyes).
- Indirect contact via contaminated objects or surfaces like towels, doorknobs, or tissues.
- Respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing can also spread the virus.
Bacterial conjunctivitis: Similar to viral conjunctivitis, it spreads through:
- Contact with the infected person’s eye discharge or contaminated objects (e.g., makeup, bedding, or shared personal items).
- Touching the eyes after coming into contact with contaminated surfaces.
In both viral and bacterial forms, the infection is highly contagious, especially in crowded places like schools or workplaces. Proper handwashing and avoiding sharing personal items can help prevent the spread.
How does Doctorsa work?
Open the intake form and choose one of the following options:
- Urgent Care: For immediate treatment of your conjuntivitis via virtual care.
- Set Up an Appointment: To schedule a same-day or future appointment.
- Prescription Refill: Use this option if you have lost or forgotten your medication.
Next, select how you would like to receive appointment offers from doctors.
We recommend using WhatsApp as it is faster and more reliable. You will quickly receive various visit options. Choose the one that suits you best and proceed to online payment.
Video visits are browser-based, so no apps are needed. Simply click the link you receive to start your video visit in your browser.
After the consultation, expect to receive an invoice and an e-prescription via email. You can show or print the e-prescription to purchase medication at the pharmacy of your choice.
How do I get a prescription from an online doctor?
After the consultation, the doctor will either email your e-prescription to you or send it through WhatsApp. You can then choose to print it out or just show it directly to the pharmacist when you buy the medication.
Keep in mind that doctors need to carefully assess each case. They can’t prescribe medication just because a patient asks for it or based on another doctor’s recommendation without first making sure it’s right for your specific condition.
How much does it cost?
The total cost may differ based on the providers. Each one competes for your request, offering a fair price tailored to your needs. On average, an online doctor visit costs 25 Euros. Prices for in-person appointments, specialists, and lab work vary by city. You can send a request to learn more—there’s no commitment to book, and you can select your provider.
Please note that the visit fee doesn’t cover medication expenses, but common antibiotics are quite affordable in Europe. The cost of antibiotic treatment typically ranges from 5 to 15 euros approximately.
Are doctors available on weekends?
Yes, whenever you submit your request it is instantly received by the doctors active at that time. Whether it’s late at night, on a Sunday morning, or on New Year’s Eve, there’s always someone on the other side who’s ready to see you. When you receive an option for an appointment, there’s a person behind it (a doctor) who’s read your request and is willing to assist you.
Can I contact the doctor for follow-up questions after the consultation?
You can message your physician with follow-up questions at no additional cost for up to 7 days after the video visit.
