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Pink Eye Treatment Online — Antibiotic Drops Prescribed Today

Red, itchy, crusty eyes are miserable — and highly contagious. Get diagnosed and treated by video so you can get back to your vacation.
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Pink Eye Symptoms

Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is an inflammation of the clear membrane covering the white of your eye. It can be bacterial, viral, or allergic — and each type looks and feels a little different.

  • 🔴 Red or pink color to the white of one or both eyes
  • 💧 Watery or thick discharge (pus) from the eye
  • 👁️ Crusty eyelid or lashes, especially in the morning
  • 😖 Itching, burning, or gritty feeling
  • 😫 Sensitivity to light
  • 🤧 Associated cold or upper respiratory symptoms (viral)
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    Bacterial vs. Viral vs. Allergic Pink Eye

    Bacterial pink eye typically presents with thick yellow or green discharge, often in both eyes. It responds well to antibiotic eye drops and is highly contagious.

    Viral pink eye usually follows a cold, causes watery discharge, and resolves without antibiotics — but your physician will help you manage symptoms and prevent spread.

    Allergic pink eye causes intense itching and watering, usually in both eyes simultaneously, and is triggered by pollen, pets, or other allergens.

    “When I see a parent with a toddler on vacation — red crusty eyes, crying — I want to get that prescription called in within the hour. That’s exactly what telemedicine is built for.” — Dr. Erik Petersen, MD

    “When I see a parent with a toddler on vacation — red crusty eyes, crying — I want to get that prescription called in within the hour. That’s exactly what telemedicine is built for.”

    — Dr. Erik Petersen, MD

    — Dr. Erik Petersen, MD
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    Treating Pink Eye via Telemedicine

    Your Vacation Medicine physician will evaluate your symptoms by video, determine the likely cause, and provide:

  • Antibiotic eye drops for bacterial conjunctivitis
  • Supportive care guidance for viral cases
  • Antihistamine drops or systemic antihistamines for allergic pink eye
  • Clear instructions on preventing spread to family members
    • PETERSEN’S PLAYBOOK Dr. Erik Petersen, MD Board-Certified · Emergency Medicine · 20+ Years CARLSON’S CORNER Dr. Will Carlson, MD Board-Certified · Family Medicine · Emergency Medicine
    PETERSEN’S PLAYBOOK Dr. Erik Petersen, MD Board-Certified · Emergency Medicine · 20+ Years
    PETERSEN’S PLAYBOOK Dr. Erik Petersen, MD Board-Certified · Emergency Medicine · 20+ Years
    PETERSEN’S PLAYBOOK
    Dr. Erik Petersen, MD
    Board-Certified · Emergency Medicine · 20+ Years
    CARLSON’S CORNER Dr. Will Carlson, MD Board-Certified · Family Medicine · Emergency Medicine
    CARLSON’S CORNER Dr. Will Carlson, MD Board-Certified · Family Medicine · Emergency Medicine
    CARLSON’S CORNER
    Dr. Will Carlson, MD
    Board-Certified · Family Medicine · Emergency Medicine
    ⚠️ When to Go to the Emergency Room High fever that won’t come down (103°F+) Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath Severe chest pain Signs of severe allergic reaction (throat swelling, rash spreading rapidly) Altered mental status or confusion Symptoms rapidly worsening despite treatment If in doubt, call 911 or go to your nearest ER. Virtual care is best for non-emergency situations.
    ⚠️ When to Go to the Emergency Room
  • High fever that won’t come down (103°F+)
  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Severe chest pain
  • Signs of severe allergic reaction (throat swelling, rash spreading rapidly)
  • Altered mental status or confusion
  • Symptoms rapidly worsening despite treatment

    • If in doubt, call 911 or go to your nearest ER. Virtual care is best for non-emergency situations.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can pink eye be treated via telemedicine? Yes. A physician can diagnose pink eye by video — evaluating the appearance of your eye, type of discharge, and associated symptoms — and prescribe antibiotic drops when bacterial infection is likely.
    Can pink eye be treated via telemedicine?
    Yes. A physician can diagnose pink eye by video — evaluating the appearance of your eye, type of discharge, and associated symptoms — and prescribe antibiotic drops when bacterial infection is likely.
    Is pink eye contagious? Viral and bacterial pink eye are both highly contagious. Wash hands frequently, avoid touching your eyes, and don’t share towels or pillowcases until symptoms resolve.
    Is pink eye contagious?
    Viral and bacterial pink eye are both highly contagious. Wash hands frequently, avoid touching your eyes, and don’t share towels or pillowcases until symptoms resolve.
    How long does pink eye last? Bacterial pink eye typically clears in 5–7 days with antibiotic drops. Viral pink eye usually resolves on its own in 1–2 weeks with supportive care.
    How long does pink eye last?
    Bacterial pink eye typically clears in 5–7 days with antibiotic drops. Viral pink eye usually resolves on its own in 1–2 weeks with supportive care.
    When should I not treat pink eye via telemedicine? If you have significant vision loss, severe eye pain, or trauma to the eye, go to an ER or ophthalmologist immediately. These can indicate serious conditions beyond conjunctivitis.
    When should I not treat pink eye via telemedicine?
    If you have significant vision loss, severe eye pain, or trauma to the eye, go to an ER or ophthalmologist immediately. These can indicate serious conditions beyond conjunctivitis.
    What eye drops are prescribed for pink eye? Common antibiotic eye drops include ofloxacin, tobramycin, and azithromycin. Your physician will select based on your symptoms and any contact lens use.
    What eye drops are prescribed for pink eye?
    Common antibiotic eye drops include ofloxacin, tobramycin, and azithromycin. Your physician will select based on your symptoms and any contact lens use.
    Love Vacation Medicine? Meet Our Sister Practice FirstCall DPC — Your Doctor, Everywhere You Go If you loved your Vacation Medicine experience, FirstCall DPC takes it further. Direct Primary Care membership gives you same-day access to Dr. Petersen and the team — available in 20+ states for primary care, chronic disease management, hormone optimization, and more. No insurance bureaucracy. Just your doctor. Explore FirstCall DPC → firstcalldpc.com · 20+ states
    Love Vacation Medicine? Meet Our Sister Practice FirstCall DPC — Your Doctor, Everywhere You Go If you loved your Vacation Medicine experience, FirstCall DPC takes it further. Direct Primary Care membership gives you same-day access to Dr. Petersen and the team — available in 20+ states for primary care, chronic disease management, hormone optimization, and more. No insurance bureaucracy. Just your doctor.
    Love Vacation Medicine? Meet Our Sister Practice
    FirstCall DPC — Your Doctor, Everywhere You Go
    If you loved your Vacation Medicine experience, FirstCall DPC takes it further. Direct Primary Care membership gives you same-day access to Dr. Petersen and the team — available in 20+ states for primary care, chronic disease management, hormone optimization, and more. No insurance bureaucracy. Just your doctor.
    Explore FirstCall DPC → firstcalldpc.com · 20+ states
    Explore FirstCall DPC →
    firstcalldpc.com · 20+ states
    Red, Crusty Eyes? Get Drops Sent Today. Board-certified physicians · Kids & adults · Prescriptions to any Florida pharmacy Book a Virtual Visit →
    Red, Crusty Eyes? Get Drops Sent Today.
    Board-certified physicians · Kids & adults · Prescriptions to any Florida pharmacy

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    Book a Virtual Visit →
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