Can Urgent Care Treat Pink Eye?

Quick Answer:

Yes, urgent care can diagnose and treat pink eye (conjunctivitis). They'll determine if it's viral, bacterial, or allergic, and prescribe antibiotic eye drops if needed. Cost is typically $100-$150 plus $10-$30 for drops.

Pink Eye Treatment at Urgent Care

Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is easily diagnosed and treated at urgent care centers.

Types of Pink Eye

TypeCauseTreatment
BacterialBacteriaAntibiotic eye drops
ViralVirus (like cold)Supportive care, resolves in 1-2 weeks
AllergicAllergensAntihistamine drops

Symptoms

  • Redness in one or both eyes
  • Itching or burning
  • Discharge (yellow/green = bacterial, watery = viral)
  • Crusting on eyelids
  • Sensitivity to light

What to Expect

  1. Provider examines your eyes
  2. Determines type of conjunctivitis
  3. Prescribes appropriate treatment
  4. Provides contagion prevention tips

Cost

  • Visit: $100-$150 (self-pay) or $25-$50 copay
  • Antibiotic drops: $10-$30
  • Total: $110-$180 without insurance

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