Pink Eye Treatment in Spain for Expats & Tourists
Secure online eye consultations with a licensed, English-speaking GP in Spain.
Common Symptoms
Eye symptoms can be particularly worrying while abroad, especially when you are unsure whether you need eye drops, antibiotics, or urgent specialist care. Pink eye may cause:
- Redness of the white part of the eye
- Watery discharge
- Sticky or mucus-like discharge
- Itching or irritation
- Swollen eyelids
- Sensitivity to light
- Eyelids sticking together after sleep
Most uncomplicated conjunctivitis is mild and self-limiting, but not every red eye is simple conjunctivitis. Corneal infection, a foreign body, herpes infection, contact-lens complications, and other eye conditions require prompt examination.
How We Treat It
During the consultation, the doctor will assess the type of discharge, pain, vision changes, contact-lens use, trauma, light sensitivity, and whether one or both eyes are affected. Treatment may include:
- Hygiene and infection-control advice
- Lubricating drops when appropriate
- Allergy treatment when allergic conjunctivitis is suspected
- Topical antibiotic treatment in selected bacterial cases
- Urgent referral for eye examination when serious eye disease is possible
Mild bacterial conjunctivitis may resolve without treatment. Antibiotic eye drops can provide modestly faster improvement in selected cases, but they are not appropriate for every red eye.
When to Seek Immediate In-Person Care
Seek urgent eye care if you have:
- Reduced or blurred vision
- Moderate or severe eye pain
- Marked sensitivity to light
- Severe swelling around the eye
- A foreign body or chemical exposure
- Contact-lens use with pain or redness
- A recent eye injury
- Thick pus, severe inflammation, or rapidly worsening symptoms
Frequently asked questions
Can pink eye be treated online?
Some mild cases may be assessed online. An in-person eye examination is required if there is pain, vision loss, significant light sensitivity, trauma, or contact-lens-related risk.
Do I need antibiotic eye drops?
Not necessarily. Viral and allergic conjunctivitis do not improve with antibiotics. Antibiotic drops may be considered when bacterial conjunctivitis is clinically likely.
Should I stop wearing contact lenses?
Yes. Stop wearing contact lenses while the eye is red or symptomatic and seek medical advice, particularly if there is pain or reduced vision.
Online consultations are for non-urgent, non-life-threatening care only. In a medical emergency call 112 immediately or go to your nearest emergency department.
Ready to speak with an English-speaking doctor?
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