Adult Pink Eye Treatment in Georgia
MD-only online pink eye evaluation for adults in Georgia with guideline-based treatment when appropriate and clear safety screening. $49 flat-fee video visit, no insurance required.
Pink eye can be viral, bacterial, or allergic. Antibiotic drops do not help most viral or allergic cases. TeleDirectMD focuses on safe, evidence-based care and identifies urgent eye warning signs such as significant pain, vision changes, light sensitivity, or contact lens related complications.
- Evaluation for viral vs bacterial vs allergic conjunctivitis
- Guidance on hygiene, symptom relief, and return to work guidance
- Prescription eye drops when clinically appropriate
- Adults only (18+)
What Is Pink Eye?
Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane covering the white part of the eye and the inner eyelids. It commonly causes redness, irritation, tearing, discharge, and a gritty sensation.
In adults, the most common causes are viral infections, allergies, and irritation. Bacterial conjunctivitis is less common but can occur, especially with thick discharge and eyelid crusting. TeleDirectMD provides adult-only, MD-only video visits in Georgia focused on safe triage, practical symptom relief, and prescription treatment when appropriate.
Pink Eye Symptoms and Red Flags
Many eye conditions overlap. TeleDirectMD uses your symptom pattern, exposures, and risk factors to guide safe care and determine when urgent in-person eye evaluation is safer.
| Symptom or pattern | What it suggests | Telehealth appropriate? | Red flag requiring urgent in-person or ER care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red eye with watery discharge and recent cold symptoms | Often viral conjunctivitis | Often yes if vision is normal and pain is mild | Vision change, severe pain, marked light sensitivity |
| Itchy eyes, tearing, sneezing, recurrent seasonal pattern | Often allergic conjunctivitis | Often yes | Severe pain, vision change, or symptoms mainly in 1 eye with worsening swelling |
| Thick discharge, lids stuck shut on waking | Possible bacterial conjunctivitis | Often yes | Contact lens wear with pain or significant redness |
| Foreign body sensation after grinding, yard work, or debris exposure | Possible corneal abrasion or retained foreign body | Often no | Persistent pain, tearing, inability to keep eye open, vision change |
| Contact lens wearer with red eye | Higher risk of corneal infection | Sometimes, with low threshold for in-person referral | Pain, light sensitivity, vision change, or worsening redness |
| Eye injury or chemical exposure | Urgent ocular issue | No | Immediate irrigation and emergency evaluation |
Conditions That Can Mimic Pink Eye
Some eye conditions require prompt in-person evaluation because they can threaten vision. TeleDirectMD screens for these red flags during your video visit.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Often itchy, watery, and recurrent, frequently affecting both eyes.
Dry Eye or Irritant Exposure
Burning, gritty sensation, and fluctuating symptoms often related to screens, wind, smoke, or chemicals.
Blepharitis
Eyelid inflammation that can cause crusting, redness, and irritation with recurrent symptoms.
Corneal Abrasion or Keratitis
Typically more painful and light-sensitive, sometimes with blurred vision.
Uveitis
Often significant light sensitivity and pain. Needs urgent in-person eye evaluation.
Angle Closure Glaucoma
Severe pain, headache, nausea, and vision changes. Emergency evaluation is required.
When Pink Eye Can Be Managed Through Telehealth
TeleDirectMD is a good fit for many adults with eye redness and discharge when symptoms suggest conjunctivitis and there are no urgent warning signs.
When a Video Visit Is Appropriate
- Adult 18+ with red, irritated eyes with mild pain and stable vision.
- Watery discharge or mild crusting without significant light sensitivity.
- No eye injury, chemical exposure, or foreign body concern.
- Not a contact lens wearer, or contact lens wearer without pain and with low risk features.
- Physically located in Georgia at the time of the visit.
Red Flags Requiring In-Person or ER Care
- Vision change, severe pain, or marked light sensitivity.
- Contact lens wearer with pain, light sensitivity, or worsening redness.
- Eye injury, chemical exposure, or possible retained foreign body.
- Swelling around the eye, fever, or rapidly worsening symptoms.
- Immunocompromised patients with worsening eye symptoms.
How TeleDirectMD Treats Pink Eye in Adults
Treatment depends on the likely cause. Many cases improve with supportive care. When bacterial conjunctivitis is suspected, antibiotic drops or ointment may be appropriate. TeleDirectMD prioritizes safe treatment selection and clear return precautions.
Supportive Care
- Cool compresses for irritation and swelling.
- Artificial tears for comfort.
- Avoid rubbing the eyes.
- Stop contact lens use until cleared if you wear lenses.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
- Allergy eye drops can reduce itch and redness.
- Oral allergy medicines may help when nasal allergies are also present.
- Avoid triggers when possible.
When Antibiotics Are Considered
- Thick discharge and eyelids stuck shut are features that can suggest bacterial conjunctivitis.
- Contact lens wearers may need different antibiotics and urgent referral if pain or vision symptoms occur.
- TeleDirectMD avoids unnecessary antibiotics when the pattern is viral or allergic.
Medication Table for Adult Pink Eye
These are common adult regimens used for conjunctivitis and symptom relief. Your TeleDirectMD physician individualizes treatment based on your history, exam by video, and risk factors.
| Medication | Dose | Duration | When used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Artificial tears | 1 to 2 drops in affected eye every 4 to 6 hours as needed | As needed | Comfort for viral, allergic, or irritant conjunctivitis. |
| Ketotifen 0.025% eye drops | 1 drop in affected eye 2 times daily | 7 to 14 days | Allergic conjunctivitis with itching and watery eyes. |
| Olopatadine 0.1% eye drops | 1 drop in affected eye 2 times daily | 7 to 14 days | Alternative option for allergic conjunctivitis when prescription therapy is appropriate. |
| Polymyxin B trimethoprim eye drops | 1 drop in affected eye 4 times daily | 5 to 7 days | Suspected bacterial conjunctivitis in adults when clinically appropriate. |
| Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment | Apply 1 cm ribbon in affected eye up to 4 times daily | 5 to 7 days | Alternative option, especially if drops are difficult to use. |
| Ofloxacin 0.3% eye drops | 1 to 2 drops in affected eye 4 times daily | 5 to 7 days | Considered for contact lens wearers with suspected bacterial conjunctivitis, with low threshold for in-person evaluation if pain or vision symptoms occur. |
TeleDirectMD does not prescribe controlled substances for pink eye visits. If symptoms suggest a corneal infection or another urgent eye condition, we recommend urgent in-person evaluation.
Home Care and Return to Work
Many cases improve within several days. Viral conjunctivitis can be contagious. Good hygiene reduces spread to others and helps protect the other eye.
Home Care Checklist
- Wash hands often and avoid touching the eyes.
- Do not share towels, pillows, makeup, or eye drops.
- Replace eye makeup and discard contact lenses used during the infection.
- Use cool compresses and artificial tears for comfort.
When to Recheck
- Worsening pain, new light sensitivity, or any vision change.
- Symptoms not improving over 48 to 72 hours after starting treatment.
- Increasing eyelid swelling or swelling around the eye.
- Contact lens wearers with worsening symptoms.
Return to work guidance depends on your symptoms and workplace policy. TeleDirectMD can provide a brief work note when medically appropriate as part of your visit.
TeleDirectMD Pink Eye Care: What to Expect
TeleDirectMD provides MD-only virtual urgent care for adults for $49 flat-fee video visits in 25+ states. Your physician reviews symptoms, exposure history, contact lens use, and safety red flags. When appropriate, we recommend symptom relief and prescribe non-controlled eye medications. If urgent features are present, we direct you to timely in-person care.