Pink eye (conjunctivitis) treatment online in Puerto Rico

Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is inflammation of the thin layer covering the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. There are three main kinds:

Viral: the most common. The eye is pink, swollen and watery, sometimes sensitive to light, and it often starts in one eye. It often comes with a cold. Antibiotics don’t help.

Bacterial: a red eye with green or yellow discharge that can glue the eyelids shut in the morning, in one or both eyes. Antibiotic drops or ointment may shorten it a little.

Allergic: itching, redness and heavy watering, usually in both eyes, along with sneezing or a stuffy nose. It is not contagious. See allergy treatment. Smoke, pool chlorine, chemicals and overuse of contact lenses can also cause it. Note: a red, painful bump on the edge of the eyelid is usually a stye, and eyes that burn or feel scratchy, without discharge, may be dry eyes.

Request a visit online 24/7 — we confirm your time by email or text.

Pink eye is handled in a US$79 doctor visit, the same price for every age, with no membership. You pay by card when you request the visit, and you get a full refund if the visit can’t take place. A doctor’s note after your visit is included at no extra charge.

We do not bill insurance; the pharmacy charges separately. See all prices. The service is run by The Health Initiative, a nonprofit.

The most common symptoms are:

• Pink or red color in the white of the eye
• Swollen eyelids
• Watery eyes
• Itching or burning
• A gritty feeling in the eye
• Discharge or crusting, sometimes with eyelids stuck together in the morning

Most pink eye gets better on its own in a few days. Viral pink eye does not improve with antibiotics; bacterial pink eye is sometimes treated with antibiotic drops or ointment, and allergic pink eye with allergy measures. The doctor decides based on your case, and if appropriate she prescribes and we send your prescription to your pharmacy.

A test is rarely needed for pink eye. If the discharge is very heavy, keeps coming back or doesn’t improve with treatment, the doctor may order a culture of the discharge, and we give you a lab order for a lab near you.

Viral and bacterial pink eye spread by hands that touch eye discharge. To feel better and protect others:

• Use cold compresses on closed eyes, and over-the-counter artificial tears.
• For crusting, hold a clean cloth soaked in warm water on the eyelids.
• Stop wearing contact lenses until you are told it’s okay to start again.
• Wash your hands often, avoid rubbing your eyes and change your pillowcase daily.
• Don’t share towels, pillowcases or eye makeup, and throw away eye makeup you used while sick.

Allergic conjunctivitis is a reaction to pollen, pet dander, mold or other allergy triggers. It causes itching, redness and heavy watering, usually in both eyes, and it is not contagious. It improves when the allergy is treated or the trigger is avoided, and cool compresses help. The doctor evaluates you by video and, if appropriate, prescribes. More in allergy treatment.

Pink eye spreads easily among children. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), most children get better in 5 or 6 days without antibiotics, and the best protection is good handwashing and cleaning toys and surfaces.

The doctor evaluates your child by video with you on camera: you help bring the eye close to the light. If appropriate, the doctor prescribes and we send the prescription to your pharmacy, and we give you a note for school or daycare. The CDC says that a child without fever or other symptoms may return to school with their doctor’s approval; each school and daycare (cuido) in Puerto Rico can set its own rules. Patients under 21 need a parent or legal guardian on camera with ID. See our online doctor for kids.

For safety: a newborn with a red eye or eye discharge needs the emergency room right away.

These signs can point to a more serious eye problem. For your safety, go to the emergency room or an eye doctor today, or call 911. See when to go to the ER.

• Severe eye pain
• Vision loss, or blurred vision that doesn’t clear
• Strong sensitivity to light
• An eye injury or a chemical in the eye
• Contact lens wearer with eye pain or a very red eye
• Swollen, red skin around the eye with fever
• A newborn with a red eye or eye discharge