Can I text a doctor about pink eye?
Last updated September 3, 2026.
Yes - pink eye is a strong text-and-photo case: red, gritty, watery eyes with overnight crusting usually sorts into viral (commonest, clears alone in one to two weeks), bacterial (drops if not settling), or allergic (itchy, both eyes, hay-fever story). NHS self-care: clean lids with cooled boiled water and cotton wool, one piece per eye; no shared towels; hand washing; no contacts or eye makeup until clear. See a doctor if not cleared in 7 days, for babies with red sticky eyes (urgent under 30 days), or contact-lens wearers with eyelid spots. Eye pain, light sensitivity, vision changes, or very red eyes mean urgent in-person care. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, and can help you sort the kind.
What to do
- Send a clear photo in good light: both eyes, even if one looks fine.
- Clean lids, wash hands, no shared towels: it spreads fast.
- Contacts and eye makeup are paused: until fully clear.
- Pain, light sensitivity, or vision changes? Go in urgently.
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