Red flags & when to go in person for Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Audience: adult

Bacterial conjunctivitis is an infection of the eye's outer lining that causes redness, discharge, and discomfort. Many cases can be managed safely with telemedicine, where a healthcare provider evaluates symptoms and guides treatment remotely. However, some signs mean you should see a healthcare provider in person promptly. These include severe eye pain, vision changes, intense redness, or symptoms that worsen despite treatment. Recognizing these red flags helps prevent complications. Telemedicine can help assess symptoms, suggest hygiene measures, and recommend treatments like antibiotic eye drops. It cannot replace in-person exams when serious issues arise. If you notice any warning signs or if symptoms do not improve, seek in-person care. This guide helps you understand when to use telemedicine and when to get urgent, face-to-face evaluation for bacterial conjunctivitis.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe eye pain requiring immediate evaluation
• Vision changes such as blurriness or loss of sight
• Symptoms worsening or not improving after 3 days of treatment

What telemedicine can do

• Mild redness and discharge without pain
• Providing advice on hygiene and symptom care
• Prescribing antibiotics when appropriate
• Monitoring mild symptoms remotely

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe eye pain or vision changes
• Signs of deeper eye infection or injury
• Symptoms not improving or worsening despite treatment
• Need for diagnostic eye tests or procedures

What is Bacterial Conjunctivitis?

Bacterial conjunctivitis is an infection of the thin layer covering the white part of your eye and the inside of your eyelids. It often causes redness, swelling, and a sticky or pus-like discharge. It can affect one or both eyes and is usually contagious. Good hygiene helps prevent spreading it to others.

Common Symptoms

Typical signs include:

Symptoms usually start in one eye and may spread to the other.

When to Use Telemedicine

Telemedicine can help if you have mild symptoms such as redness and discharge without pain or vision changes. A healthcare provider can:

This approach can save time and reduce exposure to others.

Red Flags: When to Seek In-Person Care

Seek urgent in-person evaluation if you experience:

These signs may indicate a more serious infection or complication.

Preventing Spread and Protecting Your Eyes

To help prevent spreading bacterial conjunctivitis:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a good light source to show your eyes clearly during the visit
• Prepare to describe your symptoms in detail, including when they started
• List any medications or eye drops you are currently using
• Note any allergies or previous eye conditions
• Be ready to answer questions about your general health and any recent illnesses

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment plan as advised by your healthcare provider
• Maintain good eye hygiene to prevent spread
• Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes
• Monitor your symptoms daily for improvement or worsening
• Seek in-person care if red flags develop or symptoms do not improve

FAQs

Can bacterial conjunctivitis go away without treatment?

Some mild cases may improve on their own, but treatment with antibiotic eye drops often speeds recovery and reduces the risk of spreading the infection to others.

Is bacterial conjunctivitis contagious?

Yes, it can spread easily through direct contact with eye secretions or contaminated objects. Good hand hygiene and avoiding sharing personal items 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 and your healthcare provider says it's safe to use them again.

How soon should symptoms improve with treatment?

Symptoms often start to improve within a few days of starting treatment, but if they worsen or do not improve after 3 days, see a healthcare provider in person.

Can telemedicine diagnose bacterial conjunctivitis accurately?

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and guide treatment for many cases, but it cannot replace an in-person eye exam if serious signs are present.

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: Clinical Overview — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If you experience any red flags or worsening symptoms, seek immediate in-person evaluation.