Prescription pink eye treatments and clear online consultations

Question 1

What is conjunctivitis (pink eye)?

Answer

Conjunctivitis (or pink eye) occurs when something enflames the thin, transparent lining of the eye. This can make the eye look red and irritated and may cause swollen eyelids. Common symptoms of pink eye include itchy, burning eyes and a feeling of grittiness in the eye.

Question 2

What causes pink eye?

Answer

Pink eye is usually caused by a virus—and antibiotics won’t help viral pink eye symptoms. Conjunctivitis can also be caused by a bacterial infection. Most cases of bacterial pink eye get better on their own in a few weeks—but antibiotics can help ease symptoms faster.

Question 3

What prescription treatments are available for pink eye?

Answer

Dr. B offers several pink eye prescription drops and ointments to clear up bacterial conjunctivitis. (There is no pink eye pill.) These antibiotic drops include:

Erythromycin ointment
Polymyxin B/Trimethoprim drops (brand name Polytrim)
Oflaxacin drops (brand name Ocuflox)

Question 4

How long does pink eye last?

Answer

The infection often starts in one eye and spreads to the other within a few days. Without prescription pink eye medicine, resulting symptoms usually last 2-3 weeks. If symptoms result from bacterial conjunctivitis, antibiotic drops or ointment can help symptoms resolve faster.

Question 5

What at-home remedies are available for pink eye?

Answer

Several at-home eye care remedies can help relieve symptoms. If your symptoms are mild, you can try:

Using artificial tears (lubricating eye drops)
Wiping your eyes with a warm, wet washcloth (make sure it’s clean!)
Setting wet warm or cool compresses over your eyes

If you have pink eye, contact lenses can irritate or prolong the infection. Don’t wear contact lenses while you have conjunctivitis. When your symptoms are better, disinfect contacts before putting them back in. To avoid reinfection or recurring pink eye, throw away any makeup that touched your eyes while they were infected.

Question 6

Can I go to work with pink eye?

Answer

Pink eye is highly contagious. If your eyes are tearing up a lot or have a lot of discharge, it’s best to stay home until you feel better. This is especially true if your job has you in close contact with others.

If you don’t have a fever or other serious symptoms, it’s usually okay to go to work if you practice good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your eyes.

If you’re not sure, ask your medical provider for advice.

Question 7

Do I have pink eye or…?

Answer

When a virus or bacteria spreads from a sinus infection, pink eye may follow. Other conditions can also cause itchy, watery, red eyes. These include:

Styes
Blepharitis
Keratitis
Iritis
Allergies

Not sure if you have pink eye vs. allergies or another cause? Talk to a medical provider. They can help you get the right treatment for your specific condition.

Question 8

What are common side effects of pink eye medications?

Answer

Most antibiotic drops and ointments are well tolerated and cause only mild side effects. These might include blurred vision or mild eye irritation after putting in the medicine. This usually clears up in a few minutes.

Question 9

How much does pink eye treatment cost?

Answer

Consultation: A virtual medical consultation for conjunctivitis costs $15—which is lower than most doctor copays. Currently, we don’t submit medical consultation claims to insurance companies. But you can use insurance for any resulting prescriptions at your pharmacy.

Medication: Dr. B only charges for the medical consultation. When medications are prescribed, we let you choose the most affordable or convenient pharmacy to fill the prescription. Your medication prices will vary depending on your insurance coverage and whether the drug is a brand or generic.

Question 10

Do you accept insurance?

Answer

Right now, we don’t submit medical consultation claims to insurance companies. But you can use health insurance for any resulting prescriptions at your pharmacy.