Adult Pink Eye Treatment (Conjunctivitis)
Fast MD-only pink eye care for adults in California by secure online video visit, $49 flat-fee, no insurance required.
Red, itchy, watery, or crusted eyes are often called “pink eye” and can be caused by viral, bacterial, or allergic conjunctivitis. Our board-certified MDs use guideline-based criteria to distinguish these causes through video, screen for red flags that require in-person eye examination, and prescribe safe, evidence-based treatment when telehealth is appropriate for adults located in California.
- $49 flat-fee visit, no hidden costs
- MD-only care, no mid-level providers
- No insurance required or accepted
- Available for adults in California (and 25+ states)
- Secure, encrypted video visits from home
Online Pink Eye Care by California-Licensed MDs
- Typical visit length: 10–15 minutes
- Differentiate viral, bacterial, and allergic conjunctivitis
- Antibiotic drops when appropriate; allergy drops when indicated
- No urgent care waiting room or exposure
For adults only (18+). You must be physically located in California at the time of your video visit. We do not manage contact lens–related red eye or vision-threatening emergencies by telehealth.
What Is Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)?
Conjunctivitis, commonly called pink eye, is inflammation of the conjunctiva—the thin, clear tissue lining the inside of the eyelids and covering the white part of the eye. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergies, or irritants. The underlying cause affects treatment decisions and how contagious the condition is.
Viral conjunctivitis often occurs with cold or upper respiratory symptoms and causes watery discharge and burning. Bacterial conjunctivitis typically produces thicker discharge and eyelid crusting. Allergic conjunctivitis is usually very itchy, affects both eyes, and is often associated with seasonal allergies or exposure to triggers.
TeleDirectMD focuses on uncomplicated conjunctivitis in adults. We carefully screen for contact lens–related infections, severe pain, vision changes, or eye trauma, which require same-day, in-person eye examination rather than telehealth-only care.
Common Pink Eye Symptoms and Red Flags
During your visit, the MD will review your symptoms, exposure history, allergy history, and use of contact lenses to determine whether telehealth treatment is appropriate or whether you need in-person evaluation by an eye care professional.
| Symptom | What It Suggests | Telehealth appropriate? | Red flag requiring urgent in-person eye exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redness in one or both eyes | Non-specific sign seen in viral, bacterial, and allergic conjunctivitis | Yes, if mild to moderate and without severe pain or vision loss | Severe redness with intense pain, vision changes, or light sensitivity |
| Watery discharge and burning | Common in viral conjunctivitis and some allergic cases | Yes, if no major red flags | Associated with marked vision loss or severe pain |
| Thick yellow or green discharge | More typical of bacterial conjunctivitis | Yes, if mild to moderate and no contact lens use or systemic illness | Contact lens wearers with significant discharge or pain, or systemic symptoms |
| Itching in both eyes | Suggests allergic conjunctivitis, especially with other allergy symptoms | Yes | Itching with eyelid swelling that threatens closure, hives, or breathing issues |
| Morning crusting of eyelids | Can occur with bacterial or viral conjunctivitis | Yes, if able to open eyes and see normally | Severe crusting preventing eye opening or associated cellulitis of eyelids |
| Blurry vision that clears with blinking | Often due to discharge film on the eye | Yes, with normal underlying vision between blinks | Persistent blurry vision, halos, or loss of visual field not clearing with blinking |
| Moderate light sensitivity | Can occur with viral conjunctivitis | Maybe; requires careful triage | Severe photophobia, deep eye pain, or suspicion for keratitis or uveitis |
| Contact lens use with red eye | Higher risk for serious corneal infection | Often no; may exceed telehealth scope | Same-day in-person eye exam strongly recommended |
| History of eye surgery or corneal disease | Higher risk for complications | Often no; depends on details | Prefer in-person evaluation by eye specialist |
| Severe headache, nausea, or halos around lights | Possible acute glaucoma or other serious eye disease | No | Immediate emergency or urgent ophthalmology evaluation required |
Conditions That Can Mimic Pink Eye
Several eye and systemic conditions can cause redness, discomfort, or discharge similar to conjunctivitis. Part of your TeleDirectMD visit is screening for these possibilities and directing you to in-person evaluation when needed.
- Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelid margins, often with crusting at the lash line rather than primarily on the conjunctiva.
- Dry eye disease: Burning, foreign body sensation, and intermittent blurry vision that improves with blinking.
- Keratitis: Corneal inflammation or infection, often with significant pain, light sensitivity, and vision changes; requires urgent in-person care.
- Uveitis: Inflammation inside the eye causing pain, photophobia, and blurred vision; needs urgent specialty evaluation.
- Acute angle-closure glaucoma: Severe eye pain, headache, halos, nausea, and vision loss; medical emergency.
- Periorbital or orbital cellulitis: Infection of tissues around the eye with swelling, fever, and sometimes eye movement pain; requires urgent in-person treatment.
When a Video Visit Is Appropriate vs. When to Go In-Person
When a Video Visit Is Appropriate
- Adult 18–64 with mild to moderate eye redness and irritation
- No severe eye pain, significant vision loss, or intense light sensitivity
- No contact lens use in the affected eye during this episode
- No eye trauma, chemical exposure, or foreign body concerns
- Symptoms suggest viral, mild bacterial, or allergic conjunctivitis
- Able to follow instructions for drops and hygiene
- Physically located in California at the time of the video visit
Red Flags Requiring In-Person or ER Care
- Contact lens wearers with red, painful, or blurry eye
- Severe eye pain, deep ache, or persistent tightness
- Sudden vision loss, double vision, or halos around lights
- Severe photophobia or inability to open eye due to pain
- Eye trauma, chemical exposure, or suspected foreign body
- Marked eyelid swelling, fever, or concern for cellulitis
- History of eye surgery or corneal disease with new symptoms
Treatment Options for Adult Pink Eye
Treatment for pink eye depends on the underlying cause. Viral conjunctivitis often improves with supportive care alone. Mild bacterial conjunctivitis may benefit from topical antibiotic drops or ointment. Allergic conjunctivitis responds best to allergy eye drops and trigger avoidance. At TeleDirectMD, MDs follow guideline-based practice, avoid unnecessary antibiotics, and do not prescribe steroid eye drops by telehealth.
Supportive Care
- Frequent handwashing and avoiding touching or rubbing the eyes.
- Disposable tissues or clean cloths to wipe discharge, discarding or washing promptly.
- Cool compresses for irritation or itch; warm compresses to gently loosen crusting.
- Artificial tears to dilute irritants and improve comfort.
- Discontinue contact lenses until cleared by an eye professional.
Evidence-Based Medication Options (Example Regimens)
The exact regimen will depend on your symptoms, risk factors, allergies, and whether the picture is more consistent with bacterial or allergic conjunctivitis. Examples of commonly used treatments in adults include:
| Medication | Dose | Duration | When used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trimethoprim-polymyxin B ophthalmic drops | 1 drop in affected eye(s) every 4 hours while awake | 7 days | Uncomplicated mild bacterial conjunctivitis in non–contact lens–wearing adults. |
| Erythromycin 0.5% ophthalmic ointment | 1 cm ribbon in affected eye(s) up to 4 times daily | 5–7 days | Alternative antibiotic option, often chosen when ointment is preferred or drops are difficult to administer. |
| Ketotifen ophthalmic solution (OTC) | 1 drop in affected eye(s) twice daily | As needed during allergy flares | First-line for allergic conjunctivitis with itching and watery discharge. |
| Olopatadine ophthalmic solution | 1 drop in affected eye(s) twice daily | As directed | Prescription allergy drop option for allergic conjunctivitis when additional relief is needed. |
| Artificial tears | 1–2 drops in affected eye(s) up to 4–6 times daily | Short term | For lubrication and comfort in viral or allergic conjunctivitis. |
TeleDirectMD does not prescribe steroid eye drops or manage suspected corneal ulcers, acute glaucoma, or severe contact lens–related infections by telehealth. If your symptoms or history suggest a more serious eye condition, we will direct you to in-person or emergency eye care instead of prescribing drops online.
Home Care, Recovery, and Return to Work
Most uncomplicated conjunctivitis improves within several days, though redness and mild irritation can linger for a week or more. Viral cases may start in one eye and spread to the other, while allergic conjunctivitis can recur with ongoing exposure to triggers.
- Follow hand hygiene and avoid sharing towels, pillowcases, or cosmetics.
- Replace or thoroughly clean eye makeup and contact lens cases used just before the infection.
- Stop using contact lenses until redness is fully resolved and an eye professional has cleared you to restart.
- Continue artificial tears and cool compresses as needed for comfort.
Many workplaces allow return when discharge is controlled, you can keep good hand hygiene, and you feel well enough to work. Some employers or schools may request that you be on antibiotic drops for a defined period before returning. TeleDirectMD can provide a brief work note when medically appropriate as part of your $49 visit.
Seek in-person or emergency eye care if you develop severe pain, vision changes, worsening redness, marked light sensitivity, or if symptoms fail to improve within a few days of appropriate treatment.
What to Expect From Your TeleDirectMD Visit
TeleDirectMD provides adult-only, MD-only virtual urgent care for common eye and upper respiratory conditions. Visits are conducted by secure video, last about 10–15 minutes, and cost $49 as a flat cash fee with no insurance involvement. During your pink eye visit, the MD will review your symptoms, contact lens use, medical history, and red flags to decide whether telehealth management is safe.
If your case meets criteria for uncomplicated conjunctivitis and no red flags are present, we can recommend supportive care and, when appropriate, send an electronic prescription for antibiotic or allergy eye drops to your preferred local pharmacy in California. If you need same-day in-person eye care instead, we will explain why and guide you on the safest next step.
We do not prescribe steroid eye drops, controlled substances, or manage vision-threatening emergencies by telehealth.
Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) Treatment FAQ
Can pink eye really be treated safely through an online visit?
Yes. Many cases of mild to moderate conjunctivitis can be safely evaluated and treated by telehealth. TeleDirectMD MDs confirm symptom patterns, screen for contact lens use, assess for pain or vision changes, and look for red flags that require in-person care. If your presentation fits uncomplicated pink eye, we can guide home care and prescribe drops when appropriate. If anything suggests a serious eye condition, we will direct you to in-person evaluation instead of treating online.
How do you tell if my pink eye is viral, bacterial, or allergic?
We look at the type of discharge, amount of itching, whether one or both eyes are involved, associated cold or allergy symptoms, and recent exposures. Thick yellow or green discharge suggests bacterial conjunctivitis, watery discharge with respiratory symptoms suggests viral, and intense itching in both eyes points toward allergic conjunctivitis. Sometimes the picture is mixed; in those cases, we explain the most likely cause and tailor treatment accordingly.
Do I always need antibiotic eye drops for pink eye?
No. Viral and allergic conjunctivitis do not benefit from antibiotics. Many pink eye cases are viral and improve with supportive care alone. We use antibiotic drops or ointment only when the pattern is consistent with bacterial conjunctivitis or you have specific risk factors. This approach helps avoid side effects, resistance, and unnecessary cost.
Is pink eye contagious, and when can I go back to work?
Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can be contagious, especially while there is active discharge and while you are touching your eyes. Good hand hygiene, avoiding shared towels, and cleaning surfaces help reduce spread. Many people can return to work once discharge is controlled, they can avoid touching their eyes, and they follow employer policies. Some workplaces request that you be on antibiotic drops for a short period before returning. We can provide a brief work note as part of your visit when appropriate.
What if I wear contact lenses and now have a red, painful eye?
Contact lens–related red eye can indicate a serious corneal infection. TeleDirectMD does not manage suspected corneal ulcers or contact lens–related keratitis by telehealth. If you wear contacts and have significant pain, light sensitivity, or vision changes, we will advise you to remove your lenses and seek same-day in-person eye care rather than prescribing drops online.
Do you prescribe steroid eye drops for pink eye?
No. Steroid eye drops can worsen certain infections and mask serious eye disease if used incorrectly. TeleDirectMD does not prescribe steroid eye drops by telehealth. If we are concerned that you might need steroid drops, we will refer you to an in-person eye specialist for proper evaluation and management.
Can allergy eye drops help if my pink eye seems allergic?
Yes. For allergic conjunctivitis, antihistamine and mast cell stabilizer eye drops such as ketotifen or olopatadine can reduce itching, redness, and tearing. We also recommend minimizing exposure to triggers and using artificial tears and cool compresses. Your MD will help choose an appropriate allergy eye drop regimen based on your symptoms and other medications.
What should I do with my eye makeup and contact lens supplies?
It is best to discard eye makeup and disposable contact lenses used just before or during the infection and thoroughly clean or replace contact lens cases according to manufacturer instructions. This helps reduce the chance of reintroducing germs to the eye once your conjunctivitis has resolved.
When should I be worried enough to go to the ER for pink eye?
You should seek emergency or urgent in-person eye care if you develop severe eye pain, sudden or worsening vision loss, halos around lights, intense light sensitivity, headache with nausea, trauma, chemical exposure, or marked eyelid swelling with fever. These symptoms may indicate a serious eye condition that cannot be safely managed by telehealth alone.
Can you give me a work note for pink eye?
Yes. If your symptoms significantly affect your comfort, vision, or ability to work safely, TeleDirectMD can provide a brief work note as part of the $49 visit. We do not complete long-term disability, FMLA paperwork, or complex occupational forms for pink eye.
Are you available outside California for pink eye care?
TeleDirectMD currently serves adults located in California and in more than 25 additional states, offering MD-only video visits for conditions such as pink eye, sinus infections, UTIs, and more. During booking, you will confirm that you are physically located in a licensed state at the time of your visit so that our physicians can safely and legally provide care.