Conjunctivitis Treatment Online

What is conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, clear membrane that covers the white of the eye and lines the inner eyelids. It is one of the most common eye conditions in Australia and can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, allergies, or irritants.

Symptoms typically include redness in one or both eyes, itching or a gritty sensation, discharge that may form a crust overnight, tearing, and swollen eyelids. While uncomfortable, most cases of conjunctivitis are mild and resolve with appropriate treatment. However, it is important to have your symptoms assessed to determine the cause and receive the right treatment.

When to see a doctor about conjunctivitis

You should see a GP if you have eye redness that is not improving after a few days, if there is significant discharge from your eye, if you wear contact lenses and develop eye symptoms, or if you are unsure whether your symptoms are conjunctivitis or something more serious.

Seek urgent in-person care if you experience severe eye pain, significant sensitivity to light, blurred vision that does not clear with blinking, or if you have had a recent eye injury. These symptoms may indicate a more serious condition that requires immediate examination. A specialist referral to an ophthalmologist may be arranged if needed.

How a telehealth GP can help with conjunctivitis

A telehealth consultation via video is well suited for assessing conjunctivitis. Your GP can observe the appearance of your eye through the camera, ask about your symptoms, and determine the likely cause. This allows them to recommend appropriate treatment without you needing to travel to a clinic while potentially infectious.

Your GP can prescribe eye drops or other medication if clinically indicated, provide advice on hygiene measures to prevent spreading the infection, issue a medical certificate if needed, and advise when to seek further care. If your GP feels an in-person examination is necessary, they will let you know.

Types of conjunctivitis

There are several types of conjunctivitis, and understanding which type you may have can help guide treatment. Your online GP will assess your symptoms during a telehealth consultation to help determine the likely cause of your pink eye.

Bacterial conjunctivitis often presents with a thick, yellow-green discharge that may cause the eyelids to stick together, particularly after sleep. It can affect one or both eyes and may develop alongside an ear infection. Viral conjunctivitis, on the other hand, typically produces a watery discharge and is often associated with a cold or upper respiratory infection. It tends to start in one eye and may spread to the other.

Allergic conjunctivitis usually affects both eyes and is characterised by itching, redness, and tearing. It often follows a seasonal pattern, flaring up during spring or summer when pollen counts are high. Some people may also experience allergic conjunctivitis in response to dust mites, pet dander, or other environmental allergens. If you suffer from hay fever, you may be more likely to develop this type.

Irritant conjunctivitis can occur when the eye is exposed to chemicals, chlorine from swimming pools, smoke, or foreign bodies. Contact lens wearers may also develop irritation if lenses are not cleaned properly or are worn for extended periods. Your GP can help identify the cause and recommend appropriate management.

Conjunctivitis medications: drops for each cause

Treatment depends on the cause. Australian Therapeutic Guidelines (eTG) recommend matching therapy to the underlying type — bacterial, viral, or allergic. Where clinically appropriate, your GP can prescribe:

Bacterial conjunctivitis — antibiotic drops

• Chloramphenicol 0.5% eye drops (Chlorsig) — first-line; 1–2 drops every 2 hours for 2 days, then 4–6 hourly for a total of 5 days; available OTC at low strength
• Chloramphenicol 1% eye ointment (Chlorsig) — applied 3–4 times daily; useful nocturnal cover or for children who struggle with drops
• Framycetin sulfate (Soframycin) — alternative aminoglycoside drops
• Tobramycin (Tobrex) or ciprofloxacin (Ciloxan) — second-line antibiotic drops; ciprofloxacin is preferred for contact-lens-associated conjunctivitis given increased Pseudomonas risk

Viral conjunctivitis — supportive care

Viral conjunctivitis (typically adenovirus) is self-limiting in 1–2 weeks. Antibiotics don't help and are not recommended. Useful supportive measures:

• Lubricating / artificial tears (Systane, Refresh, Polytears) — soothe gritty sensation
• Cool compresses 3–4 times daily for swelling and discomfort
• Saline rinse to clear discharge
• Avoid sharing towels, face washers, or pillowcases; viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious for up to 2 weeks

Allergic conjunctivitis — antihistamine and mast-cell stabiliser drops

• Olopatadine (Patanol) eye drops — twice-daily; first-line for itchy, watery, allergic eyes
• Ketotifen (Zaditen) eye drops — alternative antihistamine + mast-cell stabiliser
• Sodium cromoglycate (Opticrom) eye drops — pure mast-cell stabiliser for regular use through allergy season
• Oral antihistamines (fexofenadine/Telfast, loratadine/Claratyne, cetirizine/Zyrtec) for systemic allergy symptoms

Recurrent allergic conjunctivitis often coexists with hay fever — combining a steroid nose spray and antihistamine drops can give better control. Your GP can also refer you to a clinical immunologist for allergy testing or immunotherapy where symptoms are severe or treatment-resistant.

Preventing the spread of conjunctivitis

Infectious conjunctivitis, whether bacterial or viral, spreads easily through direct contact with eye secretions or contaminated surfaces. Taking a few simple precautions may help reduce the risk of passing pink eye to others in your household, workplace, or school.

Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly, especially after touching your eyes or face. Avoid rubbing or touching your eyes, as this can transfer the infection to surfaces and other people. Do not share towels, face washers, pillowcases, or eye makeup with others while symptoms are present. It may also be worth replacing eye makeup such as mascara and eyeliner that was used during or shortly before the infection.

If you wear contact lenses, follow your GP's advice on when it is safe to resume wearing them. Clean and disinfect lenses thoroughly, or switch to a fresh pair if you use disposable lenses. Your GP may suggest wearing glasses until the infection has fully cleared.

Your GP may advise staying home from work, school, or childcare while you are still infectious, particularly if you have bacterial or viral conjunctivitis with active discharge. A bulk billed telehealth consultation makes it easy to get a medical certificate without needing to leave home, helping you recover while reducing the risk of spreading the infection to others.