Pink eye treatment online: fast relief, no waiting room
Pink eye is uncomfortable, highly contagious, and exactly the kind of condition that does not require sitting in a waiting room for two hours. It is among the conditions treated most frequently by telehealth.
What pink eye is
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the thin, clear tissue that covers the white of your eye and lines your eyelid. The pink look comes from dilated blood vessels responding to irritation or infection. There are three main causes, and knowing which one you have determines the right treatment.
The three types
Viral conjunctivitis is the most common, usually alongside a cold or upper respiratory infection. It causes redness, watery discharge, and sometimes a gritty or burning sensation. It spreads easily and resolves on its own in one to two weeks. Antibiotics do not help it.
Bacterial conjunctivitis typically produces thick, yellow or green discharge that crusts the eye shut, especially after sleep. One or both eyes can be affected. This type responds well to antibiotic eye drops.
Allergic conjunctivitis brings intense itching, redness and watery eyes, often in both eyes at once and often during allergy season. Antihistamine drops or oral antihistamines are the treatment.
Telling them apart
Can you get eye drops prescribed online?
Yes. Pink eye is one of the conditions covered by a $39 quick care visit — you describe the discharge, which eyes are involved and the surrounding symptoms, and your physician reviews it, usually within 3 hours. For bacterial conjunctivitis, antibiotic eye drops go electronically to your pharmacy, and most have them ready within the hour. If the picture is unclear, a video visit lets your physician look at the eye directly.
Prevention — it is extremely contagious
When to go in person instead
Bacterial pink eye typically produces thick, yellow-green discharge and crusting. Viral pink eye produces watery discharge and often accompanies cold symptoms. Your physician can differentiate from your full symptom picture.
Viral and allergic pink eye resolve on their own. Bacterial pink eye often does too, but antibiotic drops significantly shorten the course and reduce how long you are contagious.
Viral pink eye can be contagious for 10 to 14 days. Bacterial pink eye is contagious until 24 to 48 hours after starting antibiotic treatment and the discharge has cleared.
This article is general health information, not medical advice for your situation, and does not create a physician-patient relationship. If you are unwell, speak with a physician.
