Adult Pink Eye Treatment (Conjunctivitis)
MD-only pink eye evaluation by secure online video visit, $49 flat-fee, no insurance required.
Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin clear tissue covering the white of the eye and inner eyelids. It is commonly caused by viral infection, bacterial infection, or allergies. Our MDs use guideline-based evaluation to distinguish viral vs bacterial vs allergic conjunctivitis, recommend supportive care, and prescribe appropriate drops when clinically indicated. Some eye conditions can look like pink eye but require urgent in-person evaluation, especially severe pain, vision changes, contact lens-related infection risk, or light sensitivity.
- $49 flat-fee adult visit
- MD-only care (no mid-levels)
- No insurance required
- Secure video visits in 25+ states
Last reviewed on January 21, 2026 by Parth Bhavsar, MD
Online MD-Only Pink Eye Care
- Adult 18+ evaluation for red eye, discharge, itching, and irritation
- Viral vs bacterial vs allergic pattern-based diagnosis
- Prescription eye drops when clinically appropriate
- Clear triage for contact lens complications and vision-threatening symptoms
Adults 18+ only. No controlled substances are prescribed through TeleDirectMD. Severe eye pain, vision changes, marked light sensitivity, eye injury, or contact lens wear with significant pain requires urgent in-person eye evaluation.
What Is Adult Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)?
Conjunctivitis is irritation or inflammation of the conjunctiva. Viral conjunctivitis often accompanies cold symptoms and is highly contagious. Bacterial conjunctivitis is more likely with thicker, purulent discharge and eyelid crusting. Allergic conjunctivitis is commonly bilateral with prominent itching and watery discharge and often occurs with seasonal allergy symptoms.
Many cases can be safely evaluated via telehealth based on symptoms, timing, exposures, discharge type, and vision status. TeleDirectMD focuses on accurate classification, infection control guidance, and identifying red flags that require urgent in-person eye care.
Symptoms and Red Flags in Adult Pink Eye
Typical conjunctivitis is often manageable through a video visit. Certain symptoms suggest keratitis, uveitis, acute angle closure glaucoma, foreign body, or other serious eye conditions that require urgent in-person evaluation.
| Symptom or situation | What it suggests | Telehealth appropriate? | Red flag requiring urgent in-person care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red eye with watery discharge and recent cold symptoms | Viral conjunctivitis | Yes, often appropriate | No red flag if vision is normal and pain is mild |
| Red eye with thick discharge and eyelids stuck shut on waking | Bacterial conjunctivitis more likely | Yes, often appropriate | No red flag if no contact lens use and no severe pain |
| Itching, watery discharge, both eyes affected | Allergic conjunctivitis | Yes | No |
| Mild gritty sensation but no severe pain, vision is normal | Conjunctivitis or dry eye irritation | Yes | No |
| Contact lens wearer with red eye | Higher risk of corneal infection | Telehealth may triage | Urgent in-person evaluation if pain, photophobia, or decreased vision |
| Moderate to severe eye pain, marked light sensitivity, or decreased vision | Possible keratitis, uveitis, glaucoma, or corneal abrasion | No | Urgent eye evaluation same day |
| Eye injury, chemical exposure, or foreign body sensation after high-risk activity | Corneal injury or retained foreign body | No | Urgent in-person evaluation |
| Rash on face with eye symptoms, severe swelling, or fever | Possible systemic infection or orbital involvement | No as sole management | Urgent in-person evaluation |
Differential Diagnosis: Pink Eye vs Other Causes of Red Eye
During your TeleDirectMD visit, the MD will confirm symptoms, discharge type, vision status, pain level, and contact lens use to distinguish conjunctivitis from other eye conditions that need urgent in-person care.
Findings Consistent With Conjunctivitis
- Redness and irritation with watery or mucous discharge
- Itching suggests allergic conjunctivitis
- Mild discomfort or gritty sensation but not severe pain
- Vision remains normal or only mildly blurry from discharge
Other Conditions Considered
- Keratitis: Corneal infection or inflammation, often pain and light sensitivity, higher risk with contact lenses.
- Uveitis: Light sensitivity and deeper eye pain, needs in-person exam.
- Corneal abrasion: Foreign body sensation and significant pain after trauma.
- Acute angle closure glaucoma: Severe pain, halos, headache, nausea, vision changes, emergency.
If your symptoms include severe pain, vision changes, significant light sensitivity, or contact lens-related concerns, TeleDirectMD will direct you to in-person urgent eye care.
When Is a Video Visit Appropriate for Adult Pink Eye?
When a Video Visit Is Appropriate
- Adult 18+ with red eye and discharge or itching
- No significant eye pain and no marked light sensitivity
- No decrease in vision beyond mild blur from discharge
- Not a contact lens wearer, or contact lens wearer with very mild symptoms and willing to stop lens use
- Comfortable following infection control guidance to prevent spread
Red Flags Requiring In-Person or ER Care
- Moderate to severe eye pain
- Vision changes or decreased vision
- Marked light sensitivity
- Contact lens use with pain, photophobia, or reduced vision
- Eye injury, chemical exposure, or suspected foreign body
- Severe swelling around the eye, fever, or toxic appearance
If any red-flag symptoms are present, seek urgent in-person eye care. TeleDirectMD is not an emergency service.
Treatment Options for Adult Pink Eye
Treatment depends on the cause. Viral conjunctivitis is usually self-limited and managed with supportive care. Allergic conjunctivitis responds best to allergy-targeted drops and avoiding triggers. Bacterial conjunctivitis may improve faster with antibiotic drops, especially when discharge is thick and persistent.
Supportive Care for Most Types
- Wash hands often and avoid touching or rubbing the eyes.
- Use cool compresses for comfort and artificial tears as needed.
- Avoid sharing towels, pillows, makeup, or eye drops.
- Stop contact lenses during symptoms and discard or disinfect lenses and cases as advised.
When Antibiotic Drops Are Used
- Antibiotic drops may be used when bacterial conjunctivitis is likely or symptoms are significant.
- TeleDirectMD commonly uses broad-coverage options appropriate for adult conjunctivitis.
- Contact lens wearers with significant symptoms often need in-person evaluation due to keratitis risk.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
- Antihistamine eye drops are often first-line for itching and watery eyes.
- Oral allergy medications and nasal steroid sprays can help when symptoms overlap with rhinitis.
Common Medications Used for Adult Pink Eye
The medication depends on whether the cause is allergic, viral, or bacterial. The table below shows typical examples an MD may consider for adults appropriate for telehealth.
| Medication | Dose | Duration | When it is used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trimethoprim polymyxin B ophthalmic solution | 1 drop in affected eye 4 times daily as directed | 5 days to 7 days | Common option for suspected bacterial conjunctivitis in adults |
| Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment | Apply a small ribbon to affected eye up to 4 times daily as directed | 5 days to 7 days | Alternative antibiotic option, ointment can be soothing at night |
| Ketotifen 0.025% ophthalmic solution | 1 drop in each eye 2 times daily as directed | As needed during allergy season | Allergic conjunctivitis with itching and watery discharge |
| Artificial tears | Use 1 drop in affected eye up to 4 times daily as directed | As needed | Symptom relief for viral irritation and dryness |
These are example regimens only. Actual medications, dosing, and duration are determined by the MD after reviewing your symptoms, allergy history, contact lens status, and red flags.
Home Care, Expectations, and Return to Work
Viral conjunctivitis can last 7 days to 14 days and is contagious, especially early. Allergic conjunctivitis often improves with trigger control and antihistamine drops. Bacterial conjunctivitis often improves within 24 hours to 48 hours after starting antibiotic drops.
- Do not share towels, makeup, or eye products.
- Wash pillowcases and linens and clean commonly touched surfaces.
- Return to work is often reasonable when symptoms are improving and hygiene is strict. Some workplaces require 24 hours of antibiotic drops for suspected bacterial conjunctivitis.
- Seek urgent care for worsening pain, light sensitivity, vision change, or swelling around the eye.
TeleDirectMD Telehealth Disclaimer
TeleDirectMD provides MD-only virtual urgent care for adults using secure video visits to evaluate red eye and suspected conjunctivitis. Visits are $49 flat-fee with no insurance required and are available in 25+ states. Our physicians use evidence-based evaluation to distinguish viral versus bacterial versus allergic conjunctivitis, provide infection control guidance, and prescribe medications when appropriate. TeleDirectMD is not an emergency service and cannot replace in-person eye examination when vision-threatening symptoms are present.
Adult Pink Eye Treatment FAQs
How do you tell viral, bacterial, and allergic pink eye apart?
Viral conjunctivitis often comes with cold symptoms and watery discharge. Bacterial conjunctivitis is more likely with thicker discharge and eyelids stuck shut on waking. Allergic conjunctivitis is usually in both eyes with prominent itching and watery discharge.
Is pink eye contagious?
Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can be contagious. Good hand hygiene, avoiding eye touching, and not sharing towels or makeup reduces spread risk. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious.
Can TeleDirectMD treat pink eye through an online visit for adults?
Yes, for many adults 18+ with mild to moderate symptoms and no red flags. Our MDs can evaluate your symptoms, review contact lens status, and prescribe appropriate drops when indicated.
Do I always need antibiotic eye drops?
No. Viral conjunctivitis does not improve faster with antibiotics. Allergic conjunctivitis responds better to antihistamine drops. Antibiotics are used when bacterial conjunctivitis is likely or symptoms are significant.
What if I wear contact lenses?
Stop contact lenses immediately during symptoms. Contact lens wear increases risk of corneal infection. If you have pain, light sensitivity, or decreased vision, you need urgent in-person eye evaluation.
What are red flags that mean it is not simple pink eye?
Moderate to severe pain, decreased vision, marked light sensitivity, eye injury, chemical exposure, or contact lens wear with significant pain suggests a more serious eye problem and requires urgent in-person evaluation.
How long does pink eye last?
Viral conjunctivitis can last 7 days to 14 days. Allergic conjunctivitis lasts as long as exposure continues. Bacterial conjunctivitis often improves within 24 hours to 48 hours after starting antibiotic drops.
Can I go to work with pink eye?
Often yes if symptoms are mild and hygiene is strict, but policies vary. Some workplaces require 24 hours of antibiotic drops for suspected bacterial conjunctivitis. If you work closely with vulnerable populations, consider staying home until discharge improves.
What home care helps the most?
Cool compresses, artificial tears, avoiding eye rubbing, and frequent handwashing help. Clean linens and avoid sharing towels or makeup.
What makes TeleDirectMD different for adult pink eye care?
TeleDirectMD provides MD-only, evidence-based evaluation by secure video visit with a $49 flat-fee model in 25+ states. We focus on accurate viral vs bacterial vs allergic diagnosis, safe prescribing, infection control, and clear triage for vision-threatening red flags.
Red eye and discharge?
$49 flat fee. Adult-only video visits. MD-only care. Get evaluated for viral vs bacterial vs allergic conjunctivitis with clear red flag guidance.