Red flags & when to go in person for Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

Audience: adult

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is a common eye condition that causes redness, irritation, and discharge. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergies, or irritants. Many cases improve on their own or with simple treatments. Telemedicine can help you understand your symptoms and suggest care steps. However, some signs mean you should see a healthcare provider in person promptly. These include severe pain, vision changes, intense redness, or symptoms that worsen quickly. Knowing when to seek in-person care helps protect your eyes and overall health. This guide explains red flags, what telemedicine can and cannot do for pink eye, and how to prepare for a virtual visit.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe eye pain or discomfort — seek emergency care promptly.
• Sudden changes in vision, such as blurring or loss — go to an eye specialist immediately.
• Rapid worsening of redness, swelling, or discharge — get urgent in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessing mild pink eye symptoms and providing self-care advice
• Determining if symptoms require urgent in-person care
• Answering questions about pink eye causes and prevention
• Recommending over-the-counter treatments for mild cases

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical eye examinations or diagnostic tests
• Treating severe eye pain or vision loss
• Managing eye injuries or foreign bodies
• Providing emergency care for serious infections or complications

What is Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)?

Pink eye is inflammation of the thin layer covering the white of your eye and the inside of your eyelids. It often causes redness, itching, tearing, and discharge. Causes include viruses, bacteria, allergies, or exposure to irritants like smoke or chlorine.

Common Symptoms of Pink Eye

Typical symptoms include red or pink eye, a gritty feeling, watery or sticky discharge, eyelid swelling, and sometimes sensitivity to light. Symptoms usually affect one eye but can spread to the other.

When to Seek In-Person Care

Seek urgent in-person care if you experience:

These signs may indicate a more serious condition requiring immediate attention.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine can help assess your symptoms, provide advice on home care, recommend over-the-counter treatments, and determine if you need to see a healthcare provider in person. It is useful for mild cases and follow-up questions.

Limitations of Telemedicine for Pink Eye

Telemedicine cannot perform physical eye exams, take eye cultures, or provide emergency treatments. It may not detect serious eye infections or injuries that require in-person evaluation and treatment.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before your virtual visit, have good lighting and a quiet space. Prepare to describe your symptoms clearly, including when they started and any changes. Have a list of any medications or allergies ready. If possible, have someone help you with the video call.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a well-lit, quiet area for your telemedicine visit.
• Have a device with a working camera and microphone ready.
• Prepare to describe your symptoms clearly, including onset and changes.
• List any current medications, allergies, or eye conditions.
• If possible, have someone assist you during the video call.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the care advice and medication instructions provided during your visit.
• Monitor your symptoms closely for any worsening or new red flags.
• Keep your eyes clean and avoid touching or rubbing them.
• Avoid sharing towels, pillows, or eye makeup to prevent spread.
• Schedule an in-person visit if symptoms do not improve or worsen.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you develop new symptoms or concerns.

FAQs

Can pink eye spread to others?

Yes, some types of pink eye, especially viral and bacterial, can be contagious. Good hygiene, like frequent handwashing and avoiding sharing personal items, helps reduce spread.

How long does pink eye usually last?

Pink eye caused by viruses often improves within 1 to 2 weeks without treatment. Bacterial pink eye may require antibiotics and typically improves within a few days of treatment.

Can I wear contact lenses if I have pink eye?

It's best to avoid wearing contact lenses until your pink eye has fully cleared and your healthcare provider says it's safe to resume. Contacts can irritate your eyes and increase infection risk.

Are antibiotics always needed for pink eye?

Not always. Viral and allergic pink eye do not respond to antibiotics. Bacterial pink eye may need antibiotic drops or ointments. A healthcare provider can help determine the cause.

How can I relieve pink eye symptoms at home?

You can use a clean, warm compress on your eyes several times a day, avoid irritants, and practice good hygiene. Artificial tears may help soothe irritation.

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

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