Adult Pink Eye Treatment (Conjunctivitis) in Texas
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 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
What Is Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)?
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the thin membrane covering the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. Common causes include viral infections, allergies, and bacterial infections. Viral conjunctivitis often occurs with cold symptoms; allergic conjunctivitis typically causes itching and watering; and bacterial conjunctivitis tends to cause thicker yellow or green discharge.
During your TeleDirectMD video visit, an MD 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 Texas at the time of your visit, we can evaluate your symptoms and, when appropriate, send prescriptions to your preferred Texas pharmacy.
Typical Symptoms Versus Red Flags
Many conjunctivitis symptoms can be evaluated safely online, but some patterns suggest more serious eye disease requiring urgent in-person assessment. The table below compares common findings.
| Symptom pattern | More likely uncomplicated conjunctivitis | Suggests another cause | Red flag (urgent in-person care) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eye redness | Diffuse redness over the white of the eye | Redness with significant light sensitivity | Severe redness with intense pain or vision loss |
| Discharge | Watery or mild yellow discharge | Persistent thick discharge despite treatment | Copious discharge with severe swelling or fever |
| Itching | Prominent itching suggests allergic conjunctivitis | Mild irritation without a clear allergic trigger | Itching with blisters or rash around the eye |
| Vision | Normal or slightly blurry from tearing | Intermittent blurred 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 |
| Contact lenses | Not wearing contacts or mild irritation only | Recent contact lens overwear | Contact lens use with severe pain or cloudy vision (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 watering of the eye
- No significant eye pain
- No major vision changes
- No recent significant eye trauma
- No severe contact lens–related symptoms
Red Flag Symptoms, In-Person or Emergency Care
- Moderate to severe eye pain
- New or significant vision loss
- Severe light sensitivity
- Eye trauma or chemical exposure
- Severe eyelid swelling preventing eye opening
- Contact lens use with severe pain or cloudy vision
- 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 oral antihistamines for allergic symptoms
- Artificial tears for dryness and irritation
- Frequent handwashing and avoiding eye rubbing
- Avoiding contact lenses until symptoms resolve
When Prescription Eye Drops Are Appropriate
Antibiotic eye drops are used when symptoms suggest bacterial conjunctivitis, such as thicker yellow or green discharge or eyes stuck shut in the morning. During your TeleDirectMD visit, your MD confirms:
- Symptoms are consistent with likely bacterial conjunctivitis
- No signs of corneal ulcer, severe pain, or acute vision loss
- No red flags requiring in-person slit-lamp examination
Common Adult Treatment Regimens When Indicated
| Medication | Adult dose | Duration | When used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trimethoprim–polymyxin B drops | 1 drop QID | 5–7 days | First-line antibiotic for adult bacterial conjunctivitis. |
| Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment | Ribbon QID | 5–7 days | Alternative option for those who prefer ointment formulations. |
| Olopatadine drops | 1 drop QD–BID | As needed | Option for allergic conjunctivitis when appropriate. |
TeleDirectMD does not prescribe steroid eye drops, oral steroids, or controlled substances for eye symptoms via telehealth. Steroid drops require in-person ophthalmologic evaluation.
Home Care Tips for Pink Eye
- Wash hands frequently and avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.
- Use warm compresses for crusting or cool compresses for itching.
- Avoid contact lenses until symptoms are fully resolved.
- Do not share towels, linens, or cosmetics.
- Follow MD instructions carefully for any prescribed 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 can usually return to work after at least 24 hours of appropriate antibiotic drops. TeleDirectMD can provide a brief work note when medically appropriate.
TeleDirectMD provides MD-only virtual urgent care for adults, including conjunctivitis, respiratory infections, 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 evaluation is required instead of telehealth alone.
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 these factors and screens for red flag features that require in-person care.
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 eyes stuck shut in the morning. Your TeleDirectMD physician uses these patterns and your history to decide whether antibiotic drops are appropriate.
Do I always need antibiotic eye drops?
No. Many cases are viral or allergic and improve with supportive care alone. Antibiotics are used when symptoms strongly suggest bacterial conjunctivitis. Your MD will explain whether prescription drops are recommended in your situation.
Are pink eye prescriptions safe?
The antibiotic and antihistamine drops commonly used for pink eye are generally safe when used as directed. Steroid eye drops are not prescribed via telehealth because they can worsen certain eye conditions if used without in-person evaluation.
Is pink eye contagious?
Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can be contagious. Hand hygiene, avoiding eye rubbing, and not sharing linens or makeup help reduce spread. Your TeleDirectMD MD can advise on how long to avoid close contact with others.
Can pink eye affect my vision?
Mild blurring from discharge or tearing is common. However, true vision loss, double vision, or severe light sensitivity require urgent in-person eye evaluation. TeleDirectMD screens for these symptoms during your visit.
Is TeleDirectMD available throughout Texas?
Yes. Adults who are physically located in Texas at the time of their visit and can access a local pharmacy can use TeleDirectMD for conjunctivitis evaluation, including patients in Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth, El Paso, and rural counties across the state.
Does TeleDirectMD take insurance?
TeleDirectMD visits cost $49 and are not billed to insurance. Pharmacy charges are separate and may be submitted to insurance or paid directly, depending on your coverage and pharmacy policies.
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.