Ears, eyes & allergies

Pink eye (conjunctivitis): virtual care options

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is swelling of the thin clear layer that covers the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergies, and the viral and bacterial types spread easily.

See virtual care for Pink eye

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Common symptoms

What people often notice. Only a provider can tell you what’s causing yours.

Pink or red color in the white of the eye
Itching, burning, or a gritty feeling
Watery eyes
Thick yellow or green discharge
Crusty eyelids or lashes, especially in the morning

What a virtual visit may involve

Care is decided by the provider, based on your situation.

A video or online visit where a licensed provider asks about your symptoms and may look at your eye on camera
A provider helps sort out whether the cause looks viral, bacterial, or allergic
Prescriptions, if appropriate, can be sent to a pharmacy near you
Tips for keeping it from spreading to others

When in-person care may be better

Urgent care, your doctor, or a clinic can examine and test you.

You wear contact lenses and your eye is red and painful
A newborn has red or draining eyes
Symptoms do not improve after a few days or keep getting worse
A provider wants an eye exam

When to go to the ER

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have:

Vision loss or vision that stays blurry after blinking
Severe eye pain
Strong sensitivity to light
An eye injury or chemical splash in the eye
Swelling and redness spreading around the eye with fever

Ready to explore a virtual visit for Pink eye?

Check availability, pricing, and care details directly with the provider. You’ll leave ER.com when you continue.

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Common questions

Pink eye, answered.

General information, not medical advice. A provider can answer questions about your situation.

Can you get pink eye treatment online?

Often, yes. A provider can review your symptoms over video and, if appropriate, may prescribe treatment. They will recommend an in-person eye exam if anything suggests a more serious problem.

How long does pink eye last?

Viral pink eye usually clears in one to two weeks. Bacterial pink eye often improves within a few days of starting treatment, and allergic pink eye can last as long as you are exposed to the trigger.

How long is pink eye contagious?

Viral and bacterial pink eye can spread as long as you have symptoms like tearing and discharge. Washing hands often and not sharing towels helps protect others.

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.