Guide

Urgent care for pink eye

Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is usually caused by a virus, bacteria or allergies. Many cases clear up on their own, but some need a provider, and urgent care clinics and online providers both commonly see it.

See a provider online now For non-emergency symptoms, an online visit may be an option. ER.com may earn a commission through affiliate links, at no added cost to you.

When it’s an emergency

Go to the nearest ER or call 911 for pink eye with:

A serious eye injury
Suddenly being unable to see
Severe eye pain

If you’re not sure, go to the ER. Find the nearest ER.

What urgent care does for pink eye

Questions about your symptoms, discharge, allergies and contact lens use
A look at your eyes; occasionally a sample of discharge for a lab test
Antibiotic drops or ointment if it looks bacterial, or allergy drops if it looks allergic

Viral pink eye doesn’t respond to antibiotics and usually clears in 7 to 14 days. Mild bacterial pink eye often clears in 2 to 5 days, and antibiotic drops can help. Stop wearing contact lenses until your symptoms are gone or an eye doctor says it’s okay.

Find urgent care near you, with hours and phone numbers.

When an online visit may fit

Pink eye is diagnosed mostly by looking at the eye and asking about symptoms, so a video visit is a common option. A provider can prescribe drops if they’re appropriate.

Eye pain, vision changes or light sensitivity need an in-person exam, often by an eye doctor, not an online visit.

See a provider online for pink eye

For non-emergency symptoms. Check availability, pricing, and care details with the provider. You’ll leave ER.com when you continue. More on Pink eye online.

Start a virtual visit

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See a provider in person if

Eye pain, or sensitivity to light
Blurred vision that doesn’t clear when you wipe away discharge
Intense redness, or symptoms that get worse or don’t improve
Bacterial pink eye that isn’t better after 24 hours of antibiotics
A weakened immune system
A newborn with pink eye symptoms (see a doctor right away)

Common questions

Urgent care for pink eye, answered.

General information, not medical advice.

Can urgent care treat pink eye?

Yes. Urgent care providers commonly diagnose pink eye by examining the eye and can prescribe antibiotic or allergy drops when appropriate. Eye pain, vision changes or light sensitivity may need an eye doctor.

Do I need antibiotics for pink eye?

Only for some bacterial cases. Viral pink eye, the most common kind, doesn’t respond to antibiotics, and many mild bacterial cases clear on their own. Allergic pink eye is treated with allergy medicine.

Can I get pink eye drops online?

Often, yes. A provider can look at your eye on video, ask about symptoms and prescribe drops if appropriate. They’ll tell you to be seen in person for pain, vision changes or light sensitivity.

When can I go back to work or school with pink eye?

The CDC says you may be able to return once you have no fever or other symptoms, with your doctor’s approval. Allergic pink eye isn’t contagious.

See a provider online now Not an emergency and can’t get in today? ER.com may earn a commission through affiliate links, at no added cost to you.

More guides

Urgent care for a UTI · Urgent care for a sinus infection · Urgent care for the flu · Urgent care for strep throat · Urgent care or the ER? · Virtual urgent care

Sources

Last updated November 12, 2026. General information, not medical advice or a diagnosis. If you’re not sure whether something is an emergency, go to the ER or call 911.

This is not for emergencies.

For life-threatening symptoms, severe chest pain, trouble breathing, or immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.