Pink eye (conjunctivitis) treatment

Your MinuteClinic provider can help you understand the various treatments for your symptoms. The provider can also discuss the use of over-the-counter medications and other ways to feel better and recover faster.

1. Prior to scheduling your appointment, you may have to answer a few questions about symptoms to help us prepare for your visit.

2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment.

   If you made your appointment online:

   Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.

   If you made your appointment in the clinic:

   Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

   If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment:


   To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth and zip code to join the visit.

3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
   
4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
   
5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, a receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send information about your visit to your primary care provider.

• Crusty eyelids and eyelashes
• Eye discharge that may be clear, yellow, white or green
• Gritty feeling in the eye
• Increase in the volume of watery tears
• Itchiness, irritation or a burning sensation
• Redness of the whites of the eye or inside of the eyelids
• When contact lenses are in, your eyes feel uncomfortable, and your contacts may not stay in position

• Allergens such as dust mites and pet dander
• Bacterial infection
• Irritants such as smog or swimming pool chlorine
• Viral infection

Treatment depends on the cause:

• Minor cases of bacterial conjunctivitis: These usually clear up on their own but antibiotic eye medicine can be prescribed to speed up healing. Children with this condition are typically not allowed to return to school unless they’ve been treated with antibiotic drops for 24 hours.
• Severe cases of bacterial conjunctivitis: These may require antibiotics.
• Allergic conjunctivitis: Treatment depends on the allergen that’s identified. Antihistamines or eye drops may be used to help reduce the immune system's reaction. Over-the-counter artificial tears and cold compresses can help ease symptoms.
• Viral conjunctivitis: Cold compresses and artificial tears can help ease symptoms.

Note: If you have pink eye and are wearing contact lenses, throw them away. Do not use contact lenses until your infection is completely cleared up.

When caused by a virus or bacteria, pink eye is highly infectious and can spread rapidly from person to person. To reduce the risk of getting or spreading pink eye:

• Avoid sharing makeup, contact lenses, lens cases and eyeglasses
• Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water