If you or your child has symptoms of conjunctivitis, you probably want to treat it as soon as possible. After all, although most cases resolve on their own, conjunctivitis is highly contagious and can cause painful or uncomfortable symptoms.
When you think about quick ways to receive care, urgent care may be at the top of your list. But in most cases, there are faster, cheaper ways to get the pink eye treatment you need. Read on to learn how to get pink eye care quickly that can help you or your child feel better sooner.
You can usually skip urgent care for pink eye and start with virtual options
Pink eye has distinct visual symptoms, so it’s usually easy for doctors and physicians to diagnose it without an in-person visit. By using one of the following types of visits, you can quickly get a treatment plan for pink eye.
E-Visits Can Provide Quick Care for Pink Eye Starting at 12 Months
For adults and children over 12 months, an e-visit for pink eye is often the quickest and most cost-effective way to get the treatment you need. To complete an e-visit through HealthPartners, you just need to log into your online account, answer a few questions, and upload a photo or two. If you don’t have one, it’s easy to create an account.
Typically, you will receive a treatment plan within a few hours. If a prescription is needed (for example, antihistamines for viral conjunctivitis or antibiotics for bacterial conjunctivitis), we will send it to the pharmacy of your choice.
Video visits for pink eye are a great option for children 3 months and older
If you want to talk face to face with a doctor without going to a clinic, a video visit with a primary care doctor is the way to do it. You will be able to discuss your symptoms and ask questions if you have any. And if the doctor needs a clearer view, you can share a photo through your online account. Typically, a video visit can allow you to see a primary care doctor with a same-day or next-day appointment.
Virtual care is not an option for babies under 3 months
Babies younger than 3 months should be seen in person for any symptoms of conjunctivitis because infections at this age can affect the baby’s vision or health if left untreated.
Go to urgent care or see a doctor in person if pink eye symptoms are severe or do not go away.
While e-visits and video visits can treat most cases of pink eye, you should receive in-person care as soon as possible if your pink eye symptoms are accompanied by any of the following:
- Fever, chills, or sweating.
- Headache
- Significant eye pain or pain when moving the eye.
- An eye that is very red or has a lot of discharge.
- Light sensitivity
- Blurred or decreased vision in one or both eyes.
- Swelling or redness around the eye
- Symptoms that do not begin to improve within three days or get worse over time
In-person care is also needed if:
- You wear contact lenses
- You have a weakened (suppressed) immune system
- A baby younger than 3 months has symptoms of conjunctivitis
At HealthPartners, in-person primary care appointments are typically available the same day you schedule them or the next day. If you think the wait is too long or you need care when primary care clinics are closed, find an urgent care center near you.
Whether your conjunctivitis needs urgent care or an e-visit, help is available
If you or your child has red, itchy, or crusty eyes, there’s a good chance that a virtual care option, such as an e-visit or video visit, can help you get quick relief from pink eye symptoms. Both are excellent options to make the recovery process as short and comfortable as possible.
But babies younger than 3 months or children and adults with more severe conjunctivitis symptoms should be seen in person. At HealthPartners, in-person primary care appointments are typically available the same day or the next day. And if you need care sooner than primary care can provide it, urgent care is ready for you.
