How to prepare for a video visit about Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Audience: pediatric

Bacterial conjunctivitis, often called pink eye, is an infection of the eye’s clear outer layer and inner eyelid. It is common in children and usually causes redness, swelling, and a sticky discharge. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help you understand your child’s symptoms and get advice on care. During the visit, the provider will ask about symptoms and may ask to see the eye clearly on camera. Preparing for the visit by gathering information and creating a calm environment helps the appointment go smoothly. While many cases improve with home care or prescribed antibiotics, some signs need urgent in-person care. This guide helps families prepare for a telemedicine visit about bacterial conjunctivitis, explains what telemedicine can and cannot do, and offers tips for aftercare and follow-up. Remember, this information is educational and not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe eye pain or discomfort requiring immediate medical attention.
• Sudden changes in vision such as blurriness or double vision.
• Swelling around the eye that is spreading or worsening.

What telemedicine can do

• Evaluating visible symptoms like redness and discharge via video.
• Providing guidance on home care and hygiene to prevent spread.
• Determining if symptoms are mild and can be managed at home.
• Prescribing antibiotics if bacterial conjunctivitis is suspected and appropriate.
• Advising when in-person care is necessary.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing a physical eye examination or diagnostic tests.
• Taking samples for laboratory testing.
• Treating severe complications or vision-threatening conditions.
• Providing emergency care for sudden vision loss or severe pain.

What is Bacterial Conjunctivitis?

Bacterial conjunctivitis is an infection that causes the eye’s lining to become red and swollen. It often leads to a thick, yellow or green discharge, making the eyelids stick together, especially after sleep. It can affect one or both eyes and spreads easily, especially among children. Common bacteria cause this infection, and it usually improves with proper care and sometimes antibiotics.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before the video visit, gather important information to share with the healthcare provider:

Having this information ready helps the provider understand your child’s condition better.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

During the video visit, the healthcare provider will:

The provider cannot perform a physical exam or take samples but can guide you on next steps.

When to Seek In-Person Care

Some signs mean your child needs urgent in-person care:

If you notice these, seek emergency care immediately as they may indicate a more serious problem.

After the Video Visit: Caring for Your Child

Follow the healthcare provider’s advice carefully. Typical steps include:

Watch for any worsening symptoms and follow up if needed.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit space for the video visit.
• Have a clean cloth or tissue ready to gently clean the eye if needed.
• Prepare to describe the start and progression of symptoms.
• List any current medications your child is taking.
• Be ready to show the affected eye clearly on camera.
• Note any other symptoms like fever or discomfort.
• Have a list of questions or concerns to discuss with the provider.

After your tele-visit

• Use prescribed medications exactly as directed.
• Keep the eye clean by wiping discharge gently with a clean cloth.
• Encourage frequent handwashing to reduce spread.
• Avoid sharing towels, pillows, or other personal items.
• Keep your child home from school or daycare until advised.
• Monitor symptoms and seek in-person care if red flags appear.
• Schedule follow-up visits if recommended by the provider.

FAQs

Can bacterial conjunctivitis go away without antibiotics?

Sometimes, mild bacterial conjunctivitis can improve on its own with good hygiene and eye care. However, antibiotics often help speed recovery and reduce spread, especially in children. Your healthcare provider can advise if antibiotics are needed.

How can I prevent my child from spreading pink eye to others?

Encourage frequent handwashing, avoid touching or rubbing the eyes, do not share towels or pillows, and keep your child home from school or daycare until the infection clears or as advised by your provider.

Is bacterial conjunctivitis contagious?

Yes, bacterial conjunctivitis is contagious and spreads easily through direct contact with eye secretions or contaminated objects. Good hygiene helps prevent spreading to others.

What should I do if my child’s symptoms get worse after the video visit?

If symptoms worsen, such as increased pain, swelling, vision changes, or fever, seek in-person medical care promptly. These signs may indicate a more serious infection or complication.

Can my child wear contact lenses if they have bacterial conjunctivitis?

It is best to stop wearing contact lenses until the infection has fully cleared and your healthcare provider says it is safe to resume. Contact lenses can worsen the infection or delay healing.

Sources

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

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. If your child has severe symptoms or urgent concerns, seek immediate medical care.