Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

Learn about care and treatment options for the common eye condition known as pink eye, or conjunctivitis, available through Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist.

Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is an infection that can be painful and cause red, itchy eyes, swelling and inflammation. If caused by a virus or bacterial infection, it can be very contagious. To have pink eye properly diagnosed and to get the best treatment for you, it’s important to contact a doctor.

Immediate Care for Pink Eye, or Conjunctivitis

Benefits of a 24/7 urgent care video visit

An Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist provider can manage common pink eye symptoms that range from itchiness and excessive tears to discharge and crusting, right from the comfort of your home to help you get better faster. Benefits include:

Care available for all ages, 24/7
No appointment needed
Prescriptions, if recommended

You can start a 24/7 urgent care video visit now.

Currently a patient? Consider an eVisit

If you already have an Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist primary care provider, you can also get care and relief for your pink eye symptoms through an eVisit. Just go to MyAtriumHealth, complete our online Symptom Checker and your provider can diagnose your condition and provide a prescription, if needed.

Try Symptom Checker to see if an eVisit is right for you.

Common pink eye symptoms

Early symptoms may include redness in the whites of the eye, itchy eyes or a crust that develops over the eyelashes, especially after sleeping.

Red, itchy, burning or irritated eyes
Eye discharge
Tearing
Sensitivity to light

Pink eye symptoms may not go away on their own, depending on what is causing the condition. A provider at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist can help choose the best treatment for you.

Get the free MyAtriumHealth app to have a visit on the go

The MyAtriumHealth app lets you easily access an Atrium Health virtual visit anytime and anywhere. You don’t need an account to start a video visit, but having a visit is faster with a MyAtriumHealth account. Sign-up is fast and easy. Download today.

Frequently asked questions

What is pink eye or conjunctivitis?

Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is a common inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the thin, transparent layer of tissue that covers the whites of the eye and the inner part of the eyelid.

Common symptoms can include pink or red color in the whites of the eye, swelling of the eyelids or of the thin layer that lines the white of the eye, or crusting of eyelids or eyelashes, especially after sleeping.

Is pink eye or conjunctivitis contagious?

Pink eye can be very contagious if caused by a virus or bacteria. It is not contagious if caused by allergies or an irritant in the eye. It is important to contact your doctor to diagnose your condition and choose the best treatment for you.

What is the best treatment for pink eye or conjunctivitis?

Treatment for pink eye depends on what is causing the infection. If caused by bacteria, prescribed antibiotics may be needed. Your Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist primary care provider can help diagnose your condition and choose the best treatment for you.

How long does pink eye or conjunctivitis last?

Symptoms of pink eye or conjunctivitis may last several days for mild bacterial infections without treatment, but the condition can last up to 2 weeks. If caused by a virus, pink eye usually lasts from 7 to 14 days but may need 2 to 3 weeks to clear completely. Your doctor can help determine how best to treat your pink eye condition and let you know how long symptoms may last.

Where can I get help for pink eye or conjunctivitis?

Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist offers 24/7 urgent care video visits to treat common symptoms of pink eye or conjunctivitis. With a 24/7 urgent care video visit, a provider can manage pink eye symptoms that range from itchiness and excessive tears to discharge and crusting, right from the comfort of your home to help you get better faster.

You can start a 24/7 urgent care video visit now through MyAtriumHealth or sign up for a MyAtriumHealth account today.

What’s a 24/7 urgent care video visit?

Urgent care video visits let you have an online visit with a health care provider, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All you need is a camera-enabled tablet, smartphone or computer with an internet connection. To start a visit, create a MyAtriumHealth account or sign in to an existing one.

Who can have an urgent care video visit?

Video visits are available to individuals of all ages, from newborns to adults, as long as you’re in North Carolina, South Carolina or Georgia at the time of your visit.

Do I need an appointment?

No, you do not need an appointment for an online urgent care video visit. However, if you prefer to see your regular primary care physician, you can use MyAtriumHealth to schedule a video visit during office hours or try Symptom Checker to see if an eVisit with your doctor might be right for you.

What can I expect during a 24/7 urgent care video visit?

Most urgent care video visits last about 15 minutes:

Have a valid form of photo identification ready, like a driver’s license, military identification, passport or state-issued identification card.
After you sign up for a video visit, complete the eCheck-In and then select the “Begin Video Visit” button. A waiting room will open in your web browser where you will wait until a provider is available to join.
Get connected to a health care provider who will evaluate your symptoms and discuss treatment options with you.

After your visit, the details will be added to your electronic medical record, so your primary care doctor can connect with you seamlessly if you need follow-up care.

How can my child/dependent start a 24/7 urgent care video visit?

If you have proxy access to your child or dependent in your MyAtriumHealth account:

Log in and select the account for your child or dependent in the top right-hand corner.
Select “Start an Urgent Care Video Visit” from the menu.

If you or your dependent does not have a MyAtriumHealth account or if you do not have proxy access for your child or dependent:

Go to https://my.atriumhealth.org/myatriumhealth/AnonymousTelehealth
Select “Video visit for someone else.”
Choose your location, then on the next screen choose “Urgent Care Video Visit.” On the following screen, choose “Put me in line.”
Answer a few quick questions about your location and who the visit is for.

Can I get a prescription if needed?

Yes, the provider may send you a prescription if they decide that’s an appropriate course of treatment. Prescriptions will be sent to the pharmacy of your choice. No controlled medications will be prescribed through urgent care video visits.

Is my online telehealth visit private and secure?

Yes. The Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist telehealth technology uses a patented system to ensure every visit is HIPAA compliant, secure and confidential.

How much do video visits cost, and are they covered by insurance?

Video visits are often the same price as office visits. Insurance coverage varies, and services may be subject to any applicable copays, coinsurance and deductibles within your health plan. Please call your insurance provider for more information on your specific plan coverage.

I don’t see my question here. Where can I learn more?

For answers to any other questions or help enrolling in MyAtriumHealth, call our video visit support team at 855-799-0044.