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Online Pink Eye Treatment

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Online Pink Eye Treatment (Conjunctivitis)

Get fast relief and a pink eye prescription online. See a doctor in minutes for same-day diagnosis and online pink eye medications. 

For: All ages
Estimated wait time: 5 minutes or less

What is pink eye?

Pink eye, medically known as conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelid. 

This common condition can affect people of all ages and is characterized by redness, itching, and discomfort in one or both eyes. Pink eye can be caused by viral or bacterial infections, allergies, or irritants, and its symptoms may include a gritty feeling, discharge, and increased tearing.

Pink eye causes

Some causes of pink eye include viral infections, bacterial infections, allergic reactions or environmental such as irritants like smoke, chlorine or other chemicals.

Common pink eye symptoms

Redness in one or both eyes, itching and irritation, gritty feeling in the eye, discharge that may form crusts overnight, increased tearing and sensitivity to light.

When to seek help

You are experiencing moderate to severe eye pain, blurred vision, intense redness or symptoms that persist after a few days of self-care.

Online pink eye treatments

Common treatments for pink eye diagnosed online typically include prescription or over the counter eyedrops.

An online pink eye visit costs
between $0–$99

Doctor On Demand is a covered benefit for over 98 million Americans. If you’re covered by your employer or insurance, then you’ll pay $0. No insurance, no problem. You can use Doctor On Demand starting at $99 per visit.

Common Pink eye medications

It's important to note that the appropriate medication depends on the type and severity of pink eye. Antibiotics are only effective for bacterial conjunctivitis, while viral conjunctivitis often doesn't require specific medication. Always consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Our online doctors can diagnose and treat your pink eye within minutes.

Antibiotics (for bacterial conjunctivitis)

  • Ciprofloxacin
  • Tobramycin
  • Erythromycin
  • Ofloxacin
  • Moxifloxacin
  • Gatifloxacin
  • Azithromycin
  • Bacitracin

Antihistamines (for allergic conjunctivitis)

  • Olopatadine (Pataday)
  • Ketotifen (Zaditor)
  • Azelastine
  • Epinastine
  • Bepotastine
  • Cetirizine

Mast Cell Stabilizers (used to prevent and treat allergic reactions)

  • Cromolyn sodium
  • Nedocromil
  • Lodoxamide
  • Pemirolast

Over-the-Counter Options

  • Artificial tears
  • Antihistamine/decongestant combination drops

Other Medications

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Corticosteroid eye drops (for severe cases)
doctor on demand doctor having a live virtual session with a patient on a phone
How a virtual visit for pink eye works:

number 1

Set up your account.

Once you finish registering, you’ll be able to see the cost of your visit.

number 2

See the next available provider or schedule your appointment.

Select your concern and answer a few questions to provide the doctor with some context.

number 3

Start your live virtual visit.

Meet with one of our board-certified doctors who will diagnose your symptoms and offer a custom treatment plan. If needed, you can get prescriptions delivered to you or sent to your local pharmacy.

What our patients are saying

"I used it a couple years ago when I had bad flu. They phoned in the flu RX and I did drive in pick up. Didn’t have to expose others. This time, pink eye, and of course it’s late on a Friday.  Easily got a prescription right away.  The doctors are helpful, thorough, and professional.  They clearly explain the limitations of not seeing you in person or getting confirmation by test results.  So glad my insurance includes this service.  App is easy to use."

—Doctor On Demand patient

Five stars

"This app has saved me hours during a busy week. The doctors are great. They listen and are very attentive. Great with communication and very good with my younger kids. Recently my son had pink eye. We hopped on the app and were done with 15 min and still in our pjs. We have used them for swimmers ear while on vacation. I have used if for a sinus infection in the middle of my work day. The app itself is very easy to use and each child has their own profile. My son turned 18 and he made his own profile. He uses it with ease and that gives me a piece of mind as he leaves for college in the fall."

—Doctor On Demand Patient

Five stars

"First time using this app for my 4yr old. He got sent home with a possible pink eye. I couldn’t take him in to see his doctor. This app saved me time."

—Doctor On Demand Patient

Five stars

"My son got previously diagnosed with pink eye and knew that’s what I had. My wait time was 5 minutes. Can’t even imagine trying to get into a doctor today. The phone call alone to make an appointment would have been more than 5 minutes. She was knowledgeable, friendly and I’d go to her again. Btw - $0 copay with my insurance. Saved time and money."

—Doctor On Demand Patient

Five stars
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Common questions you may have about pink eye

    Pink eye, medically known as conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the thin, clear membrane covering the white part of the eye and inner eyelid. It causes the eye to appear pink or red due to swollen blood vessels and can result in symptoms like redness, itching, discharge, and swelling. Pink eye can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergies, or irritants, and is highly contagious when caused by infections. While typically not serious, it can spread easily, especially among children, and may require different treatments depending on its underlying cause.

    Whether you need a prescription for pink eye depends on the type and severity of the condition:

    • Viral pink eye: Usually doesn’t require a prescription and clears up on its own in 1-2 weeks
    • Bacterial pink eye: May require prescription antibiotic eye drops or ointments
    • Allergic pink eye: Often treated with over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops, but severe cases may need prescription medications

    For mild cases, over-the-counter treatments like artificial tears or lubricating eye drops can help manage symptoms. However, you should consult a healthcare provider if you experience severe symptoms, such as eye pain, intense redness, or vision changes. They can determine if prescription medication is necessary for your specific case. Doctor On Demand doctors are available 24/7 and can send your pink eye prescription to your local pharmacy today.

    Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, typically presents with the following symptoms:

    • Redness in the white part of the eye or inner eyelid
    • Itching or burning sensation in the affected eye(s)
    • Increased tearing or watery eyes
    • Discharge that may be clear, white, yellow, or green
    • Crusting of eyelids or lashes, especially upon waking
    • Swelling of the eyelids or conjunctiva
    • Gritty feeling or sensation of something in the eye
    • Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
    • Blurred vision in some cases

    Symptoms can vary depending on the cause (viral, bacterial, allergic, or irritant) and may affect one or both eyes. If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Our online doctors may be able to diagnose and treat your pink eye within minutes.

    The duration of pink eye with medication varies depending on the type:

    For bacterial pink eye:
    With antibiotic treatment, symptoms typically improve within 24-48 hours. Most cases clear up in 2 to 5 days with antibiotics.

    For viral pink eye:
    Antiviral medication may be prescribed for severe cases, but most viral pink eye resolves on its own in 7 to 14 days.
    Antibiotics are not effective against viral pink eye.

    For allergic pink eye:
    Symptoms often improve quickly with antihistamine or anti-inflammatory eye drops.
    It’s important to complete the full course of prescribed medication, even if symptoms improve, to prevent reinfection or recurrence.

    The duration of pink eye contagiousness after starting medication depends on the type of pink eye:

    For bacterial pink eye:
    It remains contagious for about 24-48 hours after starting antibiotic treatment.
    Symptoms typically improve within 24-48 hours of starting antibiotics.

    For viral pink eye:
    It can remain contagious for 10 to 14 days, even with medication. Some cases may be contagious for up to 3 weeks.

    For allergic pink eye:
    It is not contagious at all. Generally, pink eye remains contagious as long as the eye continues to tear and produce discharge. It’s important to complete the full course of prescribed medication, even if symptoms improve, to prevent reinfection or recurrence. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice on when it’s safe to return to work, school, or daycare.

    Yes, there are several over-the-counter (OTC) medications available for pink eye:

    1. Artificial tears: These lubricating eye drops can help relieve dryness and inflammation associated with pink eye.
    2. Antihistamine eye drops: For allergic conjunctivitis, OTC antihistamine drops like ketotifen (Zaditor) and olopatadine (Pataday) can help reduce symptoms.
    3. Pain relievers: OTC painkillers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help alleviate discomfort.
    4. Lubricating eye drops: Also known as artificial tears, these can help protect the surface of the eyes and improve tear film function.

    It’s important to note that while these OTC options can help manage symptoms, they may not be suitable for all types of pink eye. Bacterial conjunctivitis often requires prescription antibiotics, and viral conjunctivitis typically resolves on its own. If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

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