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Conditions
Conjunctivitis(PinkEye)
Inflammation of the conjunctiva (eye lining), causing redness, itching, and discharge. Can be viral, bacterial, or allergic.
Check online review fit
Online care is not suitable for every situation. A doctor decides what fits after assessment.
Symptoms
CommonsymptomsofConjunctivitis(PinkEye)
Symptoms can overlap across conditions. A doctor considers context, red flags, and whether remote review is appropriate.
Red or pink eyes
Itchy or gritty sensation
Watery or sticky discharge
Swollen eyelids
Sensitivity to light
Blurred vision (usually mild)
Our Scope
Whereonlinereviewmayfit
Online review can help with some straightforward situations, but it is not a substitute for urgent care, physical examination, or ongoing GP management.
May fit online review
- Assessment of conjunctivitis type (viral vs bacterial)
- Treatment recommendations
- Medical certificates when contagious (e.g. childcare, healthcare workers)
- Advice on when to return to work
Needs in-person or urgent care
- Eye examination with equipment
- Treatment for severe or complicated eye conditions
Depending on your situation, an AHPRA-registered doctor may be able to issue a medical certificate or arrange a repeat prescription after reviewing your request online.
Clinical Guidance
Whentoseeadoctor
These indicators suggest you should seek professional medical advice promptly.
Signs you need a doctor
- 1Eye pain or severe discomfort
- 2Vision changes
- 3Symptoms not improving after a few days
- 4Wearing contact lenses
- 5You need a medical certificate (contagious for work)
Seek emergency care if
- Severe eye pain
- Sudden vision loss
- Chemical splash in eye
- Deep eye injury
Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department
Clinical Insight
Adoctor'sperspectiveonConjunctivitis(PinkEye)
InstantMed Clinical Team
AHPRA-registered medical team · Reviewed 2026-03
Conjunctivitis is common and almost always straightforward, but the type matters for treatment. Viral conjunctivitis - the most common form - causes watery discharge, often starts in one eye and spreads to the other, and resolves on its own in 1-2 weeks. There is no effective treatment; antibiotics do not help. Bacterial conjunctivitis causes thick, yellow-green discharge that crusts the eyelids overnight and may benefit from antibiotic eye drops. Allergic conjunctivitis causes intense itching with clear, watery discharge and often occurs alongside hay fever. The key thing I assess remotely is whether the presentation is consistent with simple conjunctivitis or whether there are warning signs - significant pain (not just irritation), sensitivity to light, blurred vision, or a history of contact lens wear with a red eye. These need same-day in-person assessment to rule out more serious conditions like keratitis or uveitis.
Treatment
TreatingConjunctivitis(PinkEye)
Conjunctivitis treatment is type-specific. Viral conjunctivitis is self-limiting (resolves in 7-14 days) and requires no antibiotic treatment -- lubricating drops and hygiene measures are sufficient. Bacterial conjunctivitis typically produces mucopurulent (thick yellow-green) discharge and may benefit from topical antibiotics to shorten duration. Allergic conjunctivitis responds well to mast cell stabiliser or antihistamine eye drops. Topical antibiotics are grossly overprescribed for viral conjunctivitis in Australia, contributing to antimicrobial resistance without clinical benefit.
Carmellose sodium or polyvinyl alcohol (artificial tears)
Systane, Refresh, Optive
Class:Lubricating eye drops
Typical dose:1-2 drops in affected eye(s) as needed (every 1-4 hours)
PBS:Available OTC without prescription
- First-line for viral conjunctivitis symptom relief -- lubricates and flushes discharge
- No medicinal properties; safe for unlimited use
- Preservative-free formulations preferred if using more than 4 times per day
Olopatadine hydrochloride (ophthalmic)
Patanol, Pazeo
Class:Antihistamine + mast cell stabiliser eye drops
Typical dose:1 drop in affected eye(s) twice daily
PBS:Available OTC (S3, pharmacist supply) without prescription; preferred over older antihistamine drops
- Most effective OTC option for allergic conjunctivitis -- dual mechanism reduces itch and discharge rapidly
- Provides relief within minutes; suitable for seasonal use alongside oral antihistamines
- Superior to non-dual-action drops (ketotifen, levocabastine) for combined itch and discharge symptoms
Chloramphenicol (ophthalmic)
Chlorsig, Minims Chloramphenicol
Class:Topical broad-spectrum antibiotic eye drops
Typical dose:1 drop in affected eye(s) every 2 hours while awake initially, reducing to 4 times daily; 5-7 day course
PBS:Available OTC (S3, pharmacist supply) since TGA rescheduling; also available by prescription
- First-line topical antibiotic for bacterial conjunctivitis per eTG; broad-spectrum coverage of common pathogens
- Should only be used when bacterial cause is likely (thick mucopurulent discharge, unilateral, no itching)
- Avoid in viral and allergic conjunctivitis -- no benefit and contributes to resistance
- Rare risk of aplastic anaemia with prolonged systemic use; not a concern with short-course topical application
Source: Therapeutic Guidelines -- Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat, 2023; Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) conjunctivitis management guidelines. This information is educational only and does not replace clinical assessment.
Specialist referral: Refer urgently to an ophthalmologist if: significant eye pain (not just irritation), photophobia, reduced visual acuity, white corneal opacity or infiltrate, contact lens wear with red eye (possible acanthamoeba keratitis), or neonatal conjunctivitis. Ophthalmology same-day referral for any suspected keratitis, uveitis, or acute glaucoma.
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) in Australia
Conjunctivitis accounts for approximately 1% of all GP consultations in Australia
Viral conjunctivitis is the most common cause in adults, while bacterial is more common in children
Allergic conjunctivitis affects up to 20% of Australians, often alongside hay fever
Antibiotic eye drops are overprescribed for viral conjunctivitis, which resolves without treatment
Recovery
Whattoexpect
Typical recovery timeline and return-to-work guidance for most patients.
Typical recovery
Viral: 7-14 days (no treatment speeds this up). Bacterial: 5-7 days with antibiotic drops, up to 10 days without. Allergic: resolves when allergen exposure stops or with antihistamine drops.
Return to work
You can typically work with conjunctivitis, though viral and bacterial forms are contagious. Good hand hygiene is essential. Avoid sharing towels, pillows, or eye makeup. Children are usually excluded from school until discharge has cleared.
When to reassess
See a doctor urgently if you experience significant eye pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision, or if you wear contact lenses and develop a red eye. These may indicate a corneal infection requiring prompt treatment.
Self-Care
ManagingConjunctivitis(PinkEye)athome
Evidence-based tips to support your recovery alongside medical treatment.
Clean discharge from the eyes gently with a clean, warm, damp cloth - use a fresh cloth each time
Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes - this spreads infection and worsens irritation
Do not wear contact lenses until the infection has fully cleared
Use lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) to relieve discomfort
For allergic conjunctivitis, cold compresses and antihistamine eye drops provide quick relief
Wash hands frequently and do not share towels, pillowcases, or eye makeup
FAQ
CommonquestionsaboutConjunctivitis(PinkEye)
Answers to the most common questions from patients.
Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are contagious. Allergic conjunctivitis is not. Good hand hygiene and avoiding touching eyes helps prevent spread.
For bacterial conjunctivitis, until 24 hours after starting antibiotics. For viral, while symptoms are severe. Some workplaces (childcare, healthcare) have stricter rules.
Bacterial conjunctivitis often improves with antibiotic drops. Viral conjunctivitis doesn't need antibiotics - it resolves on its own.
Yes, especially if you work in childcare, healthcare, or food service where contagious eye infections may require time off.
Where online review may fit for Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Remote review is not suitable for every situation. A doctor reviews the information and decides whether online care is appropriate.
Full refund if the doctor declines.