What happens after a telemedicine visit for Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Audience: adult

After a telemedicine visit for bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye), you will usually receive guidance on how to care for your eye at home. The healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointments to help clear the infection. It's important to follow the instructions carefully and complete the full course of medication. You may be advised to avoid touching or rubbing your eyes and to practice good hand hygiene to prevent spreading the infection. Symptoms often improve within a few days, but if they worsen or new symptoms develop, you should seek further medical advice. Telemedicine can help manage mild to moderate cases but may recommend in-person care if complications arise. This guidance helps you understand what to expect and how to care for yourself after your virtual visit.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe eye pain or discomfort — seek emergency care immediately.
• Sudden changes or loss of vision — contact healthcare provider urgently.
• Swelling around the eye or fever — arrange for prompt in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of mild to moderate bacterial conjunctivitis symptoms.
• Providing prescriptions for antibiotic eye drops or ointments.
• Offering advice on eye hygiene and infection control measures.
• Guidance on medication use and symptom monitoring.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe eye pain or vision loss requiring urgent examination.
• Complicated infections with swelling or systemic symptoms.
• Cases needing specialized eye tests or procedures.
• Management of non-bacterial or chronic eye conditions.

What to Expect Immediately After Your Telemedicine Visit

Your healthcare provider will review your symptoms and may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment. You will receive instructions on how to use the medication properly. They may also give advice on hygiene practices to reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others or to the other eye.

How to Care for Your Eye at Home

Use the prescribed medication exactly as directed, usually several times a day for about a week. Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Use a clean towel and pillowcase daily. Avoid sharing towels, pillows, or eye cosmetics with others.

When to Expect Improvement

Symptoms such as redness, discharge, and irritation often start to improve within 2 to 3 days of starting treatment. Full recovery typically occurs within 7 to 10 days. If symptoms do not improve or worsen, contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

Possible Need for In-Person Care

If you experience severe eye pain, vision changes, intense redness, or swelling around the eye, you may need an in-person examination. Telemedicine providers may recommend visiting a healthcare facility if these red flags appear or if the infection does not respond to initial treatment.

Preventing Spread to Others

Bacterial conjunctivitis is contagious. To prevent spreading the infection, avoid close contact with others until symptoms improve. Do not share personal items like towels or eye makeup. Dispose of tissues used to wipe your eyes promptly and wash your hands afterward.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit place for your telemedicine visit.
• Have a list of your symptoms and their duration ready.
• Prepare a list of any medications or eye drops you are currently using.
• Ensure your device camera works so the provider can see your eyes clearly.
• Have a family member or friend available if you need assistance during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Use prescribed medications exactly as directed by your provider.
• Practice good hand hygiene and avoid touching your eyes.
• Monitor your symptoms daily for improvement or worsening.
• Avoid sharing personal items like towels or pillows.
• Contact your healthcare provider if red flags or worsening symptoms occur.

FAQs

How soon will my symptoms improve after starting treatment?

Many people notice improvement within 2 to 3 days of starting antibiotic eye drops or ointment. However, it is important to complete the full course of treatment even if symptoms get better sooner.

Can I still spread the infection to others?

Yes, bacterial conjunctivitis is contagious. To reduce spreading it, avoid touching your eyes, wash your hands often, and do not share towels, pillows, or eye makeup until your symptoms have resolved.

What should I do if my symptoms get worse after the telemedicine visit?

If you experience increased redness, pain, swelling, vision changes, or fever, seek in-person medical care promptly as these may indicate a more serious infection.

Is it safe to wear contact lenses during treatment?

It is generally recommended to stop wearing contact lenses until your infection clears and your provider confirms it is safe to resume. Contact lenses can worsen irritation and delay healing.

Can bacterial conjunctivitis resolve without antibiotics?

Some mild cases may improve without antibiotics, but treatment usually helps speed recovery and reduce spread. Follow your healthcare provider's advice regarding medication use.

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 concerning symptoms or emergencies, please seek immediate medical attention.