Urgent Care for Pink Eye: Fast Treatment in San Leandro

Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is one of the most common eye conditions, causing redness, itching, discharge, and tearing. While many cases are mild, some require prescription treatment — especially bacterial conjunctivitis, which needs antibiotic eye drops to prevent spreading and speed recovery.

Types of Pink Eye

Viral Conjunctivitis (most common)

• Caused by the same viruses that cause the common cold
• Usually starts in one eye and may spread to the other
• Watery discharge, itching, light sensitivity
• Resolves on its own in 7-14 days
• Highly contagious

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

• Thick yellow or green discharge, often crusting the eyelids shut overnight
• Can affect one or both eyes
• Requires antibiotic eye drops or ointment
• Contagious until 24 hours after starting antibiotics

Allergic Conjunctivitis

• Caused by allergens (pollen, dust, pet dander)
• Both eyes affected, intense itching, watery eyes
• Not contagious
• Treated with antihistamine eye drops

When to Visit Urgent Care for Pink Eye

See a provider at CityHealth San Leandro if you have:

• Thick yellow or green eye discharge
• Significant eye pain (not just irritation)
• Vision changes or light sensitivity
• Symptoms not improving after 3-4 days
• A weakened immune system
• Pink eye in a newborn or infant (requires immediate evaluation)
• Contact lens wearers with red eyes (risk of corneal infection)

How Urgent Care Treats Pink Eye

Your CityHealth provider will:

1. Examine your eyes to determine the type of conjunctivitis
2. Prescribe appropriate treatment:
   • Bacterial: antibiotic eye drops (e.g., erythromycin, ciprofloxacin)
   • Viral: supportive care, cold compresses, artificial tears
   • Allergic: antihistamine eye drops, oral antihistamines
3. Provide guidance on preventing spread and managing symptoms

Preventing Pink Eye from Spreading

• Wash hands frequently, especially after touching your eyes
• Do not share towels, pillowcases, or eye makeup
• Replace contact lenses and lens cases
• Stay home from work or school until discharge stops (bacterial: 24 hours after starting antibiotics)
• Clean eyeglasses daily

Pink Eye in Children

Pink eye is extremely common in children, especially those in daycare or school. Children should stay home until:

• Bacterial pink eye: At least 24 hours after starting antibiotic eye drops
• Viral pink eye: Until discharge has stopped (can be 5-7 days)
• Allergic pink eye: No need to stay home — it is not contagious

Infants under 28 days old with pink eye should be evaluated immediately, as neonatal conjunctivitis can be caused by serious bacterial infections acquired during birth.

Pink Eye and Contact Lenses

If you wear contact lenses and develop pink eye:

• Stop wearing contacts immediately until your provider says it is safe to resume
• Throw away disposable lenses you were wearing when symptoms began
• Disinfect reusable lenses thoroughly before wearing again
• Replace your lens case
• Wear glasses until the infection has fully cleared

Contact lens wearers with red eyes are at higher risk for corneal infections (keratitis), which can cause permanent vision damage if untreated. See a provider promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can urgent care prescribe eye drops for pink eye?
Yes. CityHealth providers prescribe antibiotic eye drops for bacterial conjunctivitis and antihistamine drops for allergic conjunctivitis during same-day visits.

How long does pink eye last?
Viral pink eye: 7-14 days. Bacterial pink eye with antibiotics: improves within 2-3 days. Allergic: persists as long as allergen exposure continues.

Is pink eye contagious?
Viral and bacterial pink eye are highly contagious. Allergic pink eye is not contagious. Practice good hand hygiene and avoid touching your eyes to prevent spreading.

Related: eye exams at CityHealth

Also see: What types of pink eye does urgent care treat? — a complete guide to conjunctivitis types and treatment.

Types of Pink Eye and How They’re Treated Differently

Not all pink eye is the same. The cause determines the correct treatment — and treating the wrong type can make things worse (for example, antibiotic drops don’t work on viral conjunctivitis).

Viral Conjunctivitis

Most common type. Caused by adenovirus, herpes, or other viruses. Often associated with upper respiratory infections. No antibiotic treatment — resolves on its own in 7–14 days. Highly contagious. Cool compresses and artificial tears help with discomfort.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or H. influenzae. Common in children. Produces yellow or green discharge that crust the eyelid shut. Treated with prescription antibiotic eye drops (e.g., erythromycin, tobramycin, ciprofloxacin) — resolves faster with treatment. Contagious.

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Caused by pollen, pet dander, dust mites, or other allergens. Often seasonal or recurring. Affects both eyes. Treated with antihistamine eye drops (OTC or prescription), not antibiotics. Not contagious.

Chemical/Irritant Conjunctivitis

Caused by exposure to chemicals, smoke, chlorinated pool water, or contact lens solutions. Treat by flushing the eye with clean water for 15 minutes. Not contagious. If caused by a caustic chemical, go to the ER.

How Long Is Pink Eye Contagious?

Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are both contagious:

• Viral: Contagious as long as symptoms are present (up to 14 days)
• Bacterial: Contagious until 24 hours after starting antibiotic treatment
• Allergic: Not contagious

Wash hands frequently, avoid touching eyes, and don’t share towels or pillowcases during an outbreak.