Adult Pink Eye Treatment (Conjunctivitis) in Georgia

Fast MD-only pink eye care by video, $49 flat-fee, no insurance required.

Redness, discharge, itching, and irritation are common symptoms of conjunctivitis (“pink eye”). Many cases are viral or allergic and improve with supportive care, while some bacterial infections benefit from prescription antibiotic eye drops. Our board-certified MDs use guideline-based criteria to distinguish between viral, allergic, and bacterial conjunctivitis by video visit and prescribe treatment when appropriate.

Board-certified MD every visit
Video-only care, no waiting rooms
$49 flat fee, no insurance needed
Evidence-based eye drop prescriptions when appropriate

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Available in 25+ U.S. states, including Georgia. MD-led virtual urgent care for adults ages 18 and older.

What Is Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)?

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the thin membrane lining the eyelids and eyeball. Common causes include viral infections, allergies, and bacterial infections. Viral conjunctivitis often occurs with cold symptoms; allergic conjunctivitis causes itching and tearing; and bacterial conjunctivitis tends to cause thicker yellow or green discharge.

TeleDirectMD focuses on evaluating conjunctivitis in otherwise healthy adults. During your secure video visit, a TeleDirectMD physician reviews your symptoms, exposure history, and degree of eye irritation to help determine the most likely cause. As long as you are physically located in Georgia at the time of your visit, we can evaluate your symptoms and, when appropriate, send prescriptions to your local Georgia pharmacy.

Typical Symptoms Versus Red Flags

Many forms of conjunctivitis can be evaluated safely online, but certain symptoms suggest more serious eye disease requiring urgent in-person examination. The table below compares common findings.

Symptom pattern	More likely uncomplicated conjunctivitis	Suggests non-routine condition	Red flag (urgent in-person care)
Eye redness	Diffuse redness of the white of the eye	Marked redness with light sensitivity	Severe redness with intense pain or vision changes
Discharge	Watery (viral or allergic) or mild yellow discharge (bacterial)	Persistent thick discharge despite treatment	Copious discharge with severe swelling or fever
Itching	Prominent itching suggests allergic conjunctivitis	Mild irritation without allergy symptoms	Intense itching with blisters or rash around the eye
Vision	Normal or slightly blurry from discharge	Recurrent blurry vision	New vision loss, double vision, or severe light sensitivity
Pain	Scratchy or gritty sensation	Moderate pain requiring evaluation	Severe eye pain or inability to open the eye
Trauma or contact lenses	No trauma, not a contact lens–related issue	Recent contact lens issues	Eye trauma or contact lens use with severe pain (risk of corneal ulcer)

When a Video Visit Is Appropriate

Age 18 or older
Red eye with mild irritation or discharge
Symptoms consistent with viral or allergic conjunctivitis
Mild crusting or tearing
No significant eye pain
No major vision changes
No recent eye trauma
No severe contact lens complications

Red Flag Symptoms, In-Person or Emergency Care

Moderate to severe eye pain
New or significant vision loss
Severe light sensitivity
Eye trauma, foreign body exposure, or chemical exposure
Contact lens use with severe pain or cloudy vision
Severe eyelid swelling preventing eye opening
High fever with eye redness or discharge

How TeleDirectMD Treats Adult Conjunctivitis

Supportive Care Measures

Warm compresses for crusting or bacterial symptoms
Cool compresses and antihistamines for allergic symptoms
Artificial tears for dryness and irritation
Frequent handwashing to reduce spread
Avoiding contact lenses until symptoms resolve

When Prescription Eye Drops Are Appropriate

Antibiotic eye drops are used when symptoms strongly suggest bacterial conjunctivitis, such as moderate yellow or green discharge, eye stuck shut in the morning, or recent sick contacts with similar infections. During your video visit, your MD confirms:

You have symptoms consistent with likely bacterial conjunctivitis
No signs of corneal ulcer, severe pain, or vision loss
You do not require in-person eye examination first
Your allergies and medication interactions have been reviewed

Common Adult Treatment Regimens When Indicated

Medication	Typical adult dose	Duration	When we use it
Trimethoprim–polymyxin B drops	1 drop QID	5–7 days	Common first-line antibiotic for adult bacterial conjunctivitis.
Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment	Ribbon QID	5–7 days	Alternative for adults preferring ointment formulations.
Olopatadine drops	1 drop QD–BID	As needed	Treatment option for allergic conjunctivitis when appropriate.

TeleDirectMD does not prescribe steroid eye drops, oral steroids, or controlled substances for eye symptoms. Steroid eye drops require in-person slit-lamp examination to prevent serious complications.

Home Care Tips for Pink Eye

Wash hands frequently and avoid touching your eyes.
Use a clean cloth for warm or cool compresses.
Avoid contact lenses until symptoms fully resolve.
Use separate towels and pillowcases to reduce spread.
Follow your MD’s directions for any prescribed eye drops.

Return to Work Guidance

Many adults with viral or allergic conjunctivitis can continue working if symptoms are mild and they practice good hygiene. Those with bacterial conjunctivitis may return to work after 24 hours of starting appropriate antibiotic drops. TeleDirectMD can provide a work note when medically appropriate. We do not complete disability, FMLA, or long-term workplace accommodation paperwork.

TeleDirectMD provides evidence-based virtual urgent care for adults, including pink eye, respiratory illnesses, urinary tract infections, skin concerns, and medication refills. All visits are with a board-certified MD by secure video, with clear guidance for when in-person care is required instead.

Adult Conjunctivitis Questions and Answers

Can a doctor diagnose pink eye by video visit?

In many adults, yes. Conjunctivitis is often diagnosed based on redness, discharge type, itching, exposure history, and symptom pattern. During your TeleDirectMD video visit, an MD reviews your symptoms and screens for warning signs that require in-person eye examination.

How do you tell viral from bacterial conjunctivitis?

Viral conjunctivitis usually has watery discharge and may accompany a cold. Bacterial conjunctivitis tends to cause thicker yellow or green discharge and the eye stuck shut in the morning. TeleDirectMD physicians use these features and your exposure history to distinguish between types and recommend treatment.

Do I always need antibiotic eye drops?

No. Many cases are viral or allergic and improve with supportive care alone. Antibiotic drops are used only when symptoms strongly suggest bacterial conjunctivitis. Your TeleDirectMD physician will explain whether antibiotics are appropriate or whether observation is reasonable.

Are pink eye prescriptions safe?

Most antibiotic and antihistamine eye drops are safe when used as directed. TeleDirectMD prescribes guideline-recommended options based on your symptoms and medical history. Steroid eye drops are not prescribed through telehealth because they require in-person eye examination.

Is pink eye contagious?

Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can be contagious. Good hand hygiene, avoiding touching the eyes, and using separate personal linens can reduce spread. Your MD can advise on when it’s safe to return to work depending on the type of conjunctivitis you have.

Can pink eye affect my vision?

Mild blurriness from tearing or discharge is common, but true vision loss or severe light sensitivity requires urgent in-person eye evaluation. Your TeleDirectMD MD will review for red flag symptoms during your visit.

Is TeleDirectMD available throughout Georgia for pink eye care?

Yes. Adults who are physically in Georgia at the time of their visit and can access a local pharmacy can use TeleDirectMD for conjunctivitis evaluation statewide, including Atlanta, Alpharetta, Marietta, Savannah, Augusta, and rural areas.

Does TeleDirectMD take insurance for pink eye visits?

TeleDirectMD visits are offered at a $49 flat fee and are not billed to insurance. Pharmacy costs are separate and may be submitted to insurance or paid directly, depending on coverage.

Who will I see during my online pink eye visit?

All TeleDirectMD visits are provided by licensed physicians. You will see an MD—not a nurse practitioner or physician assistant—for your conjunctivitis evaluation and treatment plan.