Conjunctivitis Treatment

You should see a doctor for conjunctivitis if:

• The symptoms worsen: If the redness, swelling, or discharge from the eye becomes more severe or doesn’t improve within a few days.
• Pain or vision problems occur: If you experience significant eye pain, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light.
• Persistent discharge: If the eye discharge becomes thick, yellow, or green and doesn’t clear up with over-the-counter treatments or in case of bacterial infections.
• Frequent recurrence: If conjunctivitis keeps coming back or you have frequent flare-ups.
• You have pre-existing conditions: If you have a weakened immune system, or other eye conditions, or are on medication that affects immunity.

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is a prevalent eye condition in Australia, affecting individuals across all age groups. It is particularly common among children under five years old, who often present to general practitioners with eye infections. In fact, approximately 62% of paediatric eye-related GP visits are due to conjunctivitis.

The condition can be caused by various factors, including viral infections, bacterial infections, allergies, and irritants. Viral conjunctivitis, often caused by adenovirus, is the most common infectious type and is highly contagious. Bacterial conjunctivitis is also widespread, with outbreaks occurring in certain regions, such as northern and central Australia.

Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, typically presents with the following visual symptoms:

• Redness: The white part of the eye becomes red or pink due to inflammation of the conjunctiva.
• Swelling: The conjunctiva may appear swollen or puffy, especially around the eyelids.
• Watery discharge: Depending on the cause, the eye may produce a clear, watery discharge (viral or allergic) or a thicker, yellow or green discharge (bacterial).
• Crusting: In the morning, the eyes may have crusted discharge, especially in bacterial conjunctivitis, causing the eyelids to stick together.
• Itchiness or irritation: The eye may feel irritated, gritty, or itchy, often leading to rubbing.
• Eye sensitivity: Light sensitivity can occur, making bright lights uncomfortable.
• Swollen eyelids: In some cases, the eyelids themselves may become swollen or tender to the touch, especially with allergic conjunctivitis.

The duration of pink eye (conjunctivitis) depends on the cause:

• Viral conjunctivitis: This type is the most common and often resolves on its own within 1 to 2 weeks. It typically starts with mild redness and watery discharge, improving gradually over several days.
• Bacterial conjunctivitis: Symptoms usually improve within 2 to 5 days with antibiotic treatment, though it may take up to 1-2 weeks to fully resolve without medication.
• Allergic conjunctivitis: This type can last if the person is exposed to the allergen, which could be days to weeks.
• Irritant-induced conjunctivitis: This form of pink eye will usually improve within hours to a day once the irritant (such as smoke, chemicals, or dust) is removed.

The symptoms of conjunctivitis (pink eye) can vary depending on the cause but generally include:

• Redness or pinkness in the eye: The white part of the eye becomes inflamed, giving it a red or pink appearance.
• Itchy or irritated eyes: A common symptom, especially in allergic conjunctivitis.
• Watery eyes: Increased tear production is typical, especially in viral and allergic types.
• Discharge: This can vary in appearance:
  • Clear or watery discharge (viral or allergic)
  • Thicker yellow or green discharge (bacterial)
• Crusting: Especially noticeable in the morning when the discharge dries and may cause the eyelids to stick together.
• Swollen eyelids: The eyelids may become puffy, particularly with allergic or viral conjunctivitis.
• Gritty or sandy feeling: A sensation of having something in the eye, often caused by irritation.
• Sensitivity to light: The eyes may become sensitive to light, making bright environments uncomfortable.

Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, can be caused by several factors:

• Viral infections: The most common cause of conjunctivitis. It’s often caused by adenovirus and can be spread through contact with infected respiratory droplets, eye secretions, or surfaces.
• Bacterial infections: Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae.
• Allergies: Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when the eyes react to allergens like pollen, dust, pet dander, or mould.
• Irritants: Exposure to irritants like smoke, chemicals, chlorine in swimming pools, or makeup can cause conjunctivitis.
• Foreign bodies or trauma: Any foreign object in the eye or injury to the eye can lead to conjunctivitis.
• Chronic conditions: Conditions like dry eye can increase the likelihood of developing conjunctivitis.

Yes, conjunctivitis can be highly contagious, especially viral and bacterial forms. It spreads through direct contact with infected eye secretions, surfaces, or respiratory droplets.

While most cases of conjunctivitis resolve without major issues, potential complications can arise, particularly with bacterial or untreated cases:

• Corneal involvement: If the infection spreads to the cornea, it can cause more severe pain, vision problems, or scarring.
• Chronic conjunctivitis: Persistent inflammation can result in ongoing irritation and discomfort if not properly treated.
• Secondary infections: In rare cases, bacterial conjunctivitis can lead to a more severe eye infection or an ear or sinus infection.
• Spread of infection: Viral or bacterial conjunctivitis can spread to other parts of the eye, potentially causing more serious issues.
• Vision problems: In severe or untreated cases, complications may lead to temporary vision disturbances.

Conjunctivitis can be prevented by practising good hygiene. Wash hands regularly, especially after touching the eyes, and avoid touching or rubbing them. Clean any shared items like towels and pillowcases frequently. If you wear contact lenses, ensure they are cleaned properly and avoid sharing them. For allergic conjunctivitis, try to minimise exposure to known allergens. Avoid close contact with infected individuals to prevent the spread of viral or bacterial conjunctivitis.

Connecting to a qualified medical practitioner just became easy with Hola Health. To speak to an online doctor, visit Hola Health website or app, request to see a doctor. Fill in your details, along with Medicare information and make the payment. Connect with a telehealth doctor within 15 minutes. If doctor approves, receive online referrals and medical certificates via email and instant scripts via SMS.

Yes, you can usually get an online prescription for conjunctivitis through telehealth services like Hola Health, provided a doctor assesses your symptoms during the consultation.

Yes, you can access online doctors after clinical hours, including nights, early mornings, weekends, and public holidays. Telehealth services have made it easier than ever to consult with qualified medical professionals from the comfort of your home, without the need to wait for traditional clinic opening times. This flexibility is especially valuable for urgent but non-emergency health concerns outside regular business hours.

Yes, if the consulting practitioner deems it necessary, a medical certificate will be provided via an email. You can get single-day same-day medical certificate online for work, medical certificate for uni or school, carer’s certificate and multi-day medical certificates through Hola.

Through Hola Health, you can obtain various types of online referrals for conjunctivitis, depending on your symptoms and the doctor’s assessment during a telehealth consultation. These referrals are issued by AHPRA-registered Australian GPs and can be delivered to your phone or email within 15 minutes. With Hola Health, you can get:

• Specialist referral: If your conjunctivitis is persistent, recurrent, or complicated, the doctor may refer you to an ophthalmologist or an ENT specialist for further evaluation.
• Pathology referral: In cases where the doctor suspects an underlying infection or other health issue, a pathology referral for blood tests may be provided.
• Radiology referral: If there are concerns about complications or related conditions, the doctor might issue a referral for imaging tests like X-rays.

Here’s how Hola Health supports you with accessible and hassle-free healthcare:

• Virtual telehealth consultations: Connect with experienced Australian GPs online anytime, from the comfort and safety of your own home.
• Immediate medical certificates: Receive authentic medical certificates online issued promptly by registered practitioners, helping you avoid delays.
• Fast online prescriptions: Get instant scripts for common medications delivered straight to your device, usually within minutes.
• Legitimate online referrals: Secure referrals for specialists, allied health providers, pathology tests, and imaging services, all handled digitally.
• Mental health treatment plans: Obtain remote mental health care plans, facilitating access to subsidised counselling and psychological services.
• Pharmacy delivery: Have your prescribed medicines conveniently shipped directly to your doorstep, eliminating the need to visit a pharmacy.

Instantly connect to a registered practitioner within 15 minutes from anywhere in Australia, 24/7 for:

• Instant consult with telehealth doctors
• Instant scripts Australia
• 24/7 Medical certificates Australia
• GP referrals online