How to prepare for a video visit about Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Audience: adult

Bacterial conjunctivitis is an infection of the eye's clear outer layer, often causing redness, discharge, and discomfort. Preparing for a video visit about this condition can help you get the most from your telemedicine appointment. During the visit, a healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, their duration, and any treatments you've tried. They may also examine your eye using your device's camera. To prepare, gather information about your symptoms, have good lighting for the video, and be ready to describe your medical history. Telemedicine can often help guide treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis, but some situations need in-person care. Knowing when to seek urgent help is important. This guide helps you prepare for your video visit and understand what telemedicine can and cannot do for bacterial conjunctivitis.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe eye pain or sudden vision loss — seek emergency care immediately.
• Intense redness or swelling spreading beyond the eye area — get urgent in-person evaluation.
• Symptoms lasting more than 7 days without improvement or worsening despite treatment — arrange for face-to-face medical assessment.

What telemedicine can do

• Reviewing symptoms and medical history related to bacterial conjunctivitis.
• Visual inspection of the eye using video to assess redness and discharge.
• Providing advice on hygiene and self-care measures.
• Prescribing common antibiotic eye drops when appropriate.
• Guiding when to seek in-person care or emergency services.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing detailed eye examinations such as slit-lamp exams.
• Diagnosing complex eye conditions that mimic conjunctivitis.
• Managing severe or rapidly worsening eye symptoms.
• Providing emergency treatment for vision-threatening conditions.

What is Bacterial Conjunctivitis?

Bacterial conjunctivitis is an infection that causes inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin layer covering the white part of your eye and the inside of your eyelids. It often leads to redness, swelling, and a sticky or yellow discharge. It can affect one or both eyes and is usually contagious.

How Telemedicine Can Help

During a video visit, your healthcare provider can review your symptoms and visually assess your eye through the camera. They can recommend treatments like antibiotic eye drops if appropriate, advise on hygiene to prevent spread, and suggest ways to relieve discomfort. Telemedicine offers a quick and convenient way to get advice without visiting a clinic.

When In-Person Care is Needed

Some eye problems require a physical exam or urgent care. If you have severe pain, vision changes, intense redness, or symptoms that worsen quickly, you should seek in-person medical care. Telemedicine cannot perform detailed eye tests or procedures that may be necessary in these cases.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

To prepare for your video visit:

This preparation helps your provider understand your condition better.

After Your Telemedicine Visit

Follow the treatment plan your provider gives you. Use medications as directed and maintain good eye hygiene. Monitor your symptoms closely. If symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear, contact your healthcare provider promptly. Keep your follow-up appointments if recommended.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit area for your video call.
• Ensure your device camera is clean and can focus on your eye.
• Have a clean tissue or cloth nearby to show discharge if needed.
• Write down when your symptoms started and how they have changed.
• List any medications or treatments you have tried.
• Be ready to describe any allergies or other health conditions.

After your tele-visit

• Use prescribed medications exactly as directed.
• Keep your hands clean and avoid touching your eyes.
• Avoid sharing towels, pillows, or eye makeup to prevent spread.
• Monitor your symptoms daily and note any changes.
• Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop.
• Attend any recommended follow-up visits or calls.

FAQs

Can bacterial conjunctivitis clear up without treatment?

Sometimes mild bacterial conjunctivitis may improve on its own, but treatment with antibiotic eye drops often helps speed recovery and reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others.

Is bacterial conjunctivitis contagious?

Yes, bacterial conjunctivitis is contagious. It spreads through direct contact with infected eye secretions or contaminated objects. Good hand hygiene and avoiding sharing personal items can help prevent spread.

Can I wear contact lenses if I have bacterial conjunctivitis?

It is best to stop wearing contact lenses until your infection clears completely and your healthcare provider says it is safe to resume. Wearing lenses during infection can worsen symptoms and delay healing.

How long does bacterial conjunctivitis usually last?

With treatment, symptoms often improve within a few days and clear up within one to two weeks. Without treatment, it may last longer and increase the risk of complications.

What should I do if my symptoms get worse after starting treatment?

If your symptoms worsen or you develop new symptoms like severe pain or vision changes, seek in-person medical care promptly, as this may indicate a more serious problem.

Sources

1. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Bacterial Conjunctivitis — Mayo Clinic.
4. Conjunctivitis — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have serious or worsening symptoms, please seek prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional in person.