What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Bacterial Conjunctivitis in Children

Audience: pediatric

Bacterial conjunctivitis, often called pink eye, is a common eye infection in children. After a telemedicine visit, your healthcare provider may suggest treatments such as antibiotic eye drops or ointments to help clear the infection. It's important to follow the treatment plan carefully and keep the child's eyes clean. You may be advised to avoid touching or rubbing the eyes and to wash hands often to prevent spreading the infection. Most children start to feel better within a few days, but the full course of treatment should be completed. If symptoms worsen or new problems develop, another visit or in-person care may be needed. Telemedicine can help you get quick advice and treatment guidance, but some situations require hands-on care. Always watch for signs that need urgent attention.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child develops severe eye pain or sudden vision loss — seek emergency care immediately.
• Eye becomes very red, swollen, or has thick yellow-green discharge that worsens — contact healthcare provider promptly.
• Child has a high fever (above 38°C or 100.4°F) along with eye symptoms — seek urgent medical evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of eye redness and discharge in children.
• Providing guidance on medication use and eye care at home.
• Monitoring symptom progress through follow-up virtual visits.
• Educating caregivers on hygiene to prevent spread.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe eye pain or vision loss requiring urgent examination.
• Signs of orbital cellulitis or spread of infection beyond the eye.
• Cases needing eye pressure measurement or specialized eye tests.
• Emergency situations requiring immediate hands-on treatment.

What to Expect Right After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your telemedicine appointment, the healthcare provider will usually recommend starting antibiotic eye drops or ointment. They will explain how often to use the medicine and how long the treatment should last. You may receive instructions on how to clean your child's eyes gently with a clean, damp cloth to remove discharge.

How to Care for Your Child’s Eyes at Home

Keep your child's hands clean and discourage them from rubbing their eyes. Wash your hands before and after applying medication or touching the eyes. Use a clean cloth each time you wipe the eyes to avoid spreading the infection. Avoid sharing towels, pillows, or washcloths with others.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your child’s symptoms get worse, such as increased redness, swelling, pain, or vision changes, you should seek in-person medical care. Also, if your child develops a fever or if the eye discharge becomes thick and yellow-green, these are signs that may require more urgent evaluation.

Follow-Up and Monitoring

Your healthcare provider may schedule a follow-up telemedicine visit or ask you to report on your child's progress. Completing the full course of antibiotics is important, even if symptoms improve quickly. If symptoms do not improve within a week, further evaluation may be needed.

Preventing Spread to Others

Bacterial conjunctivitis can spread easily. Encourage frequent handwashing and avoid close contact with others until the infection improves. Clean surfaces and objects your child touches often. Keep your child home from school or daycare as advised by your healthcare provider.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Ensure good lighting and a quiet environment for the tele-visit.
• Have a list of your child's symptoms and when they started.
• Prepare to show the child's eyes clearly to the camera.
• Have a list of any medications your child is currently taking.
• Be ready to describe any allergies or previous eye problems.
• Have a pen and paper to note instructions from the provider.

After your tele-visit

• Start antibiotic eye drops or ointment as prescribed.
• Clean your child's eyes gently with a clean cloth as advised.
• Encourage frequent handwashing for your child and family members.
• Avoid sharing towels, pillows, or washcloths.
• Watch for any worsening symptoms or new signs.
• Complete the full course of treatment even if symptoms improve.
• Attend any scheduled follow-up telemedicine visits or contact provider if needed.

FAQs

How soon should my child's eyes start to improve after treatment?

Most children begin to feel better within 2 to 3 days of starting antibiotic treatment. However, it's important to complete the full course of medication even if symptoms improve quickly.

Can bacterial conjunctivitis spread to other family members?

Yes, bacterial conjunctivitis can spread easily through direct contact or by touching contaminated objects. Frequent handwashing and avoiding sharing personal items can help prevent spread.

Is it safe to use over-the-counter eye drops for my child?

You should only use eye drops recommended or prescribed by your healthcare provider. Some over-the-counter drops may not be appropriate and could worsen symptoms.

When should I call the doctor again after a telemedicine visit?

Contact your healthcare provider if your child's symptoms worsen, if there is increased redness, swelling, pain, vision changes, or if symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment.

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. Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) - Consumer Version — Merck Manuals.

This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical care. Telemedicine guidance can help with many health concerns but is not a substitute for in-person evaluation when urgent or complex problems arise. Always seek immediate medical attention if your child has severe symptoms or worsening condition.