Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) Treatment in Spain for Expats & Tourists
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera, MD
Licensed Physician No. 484814280 · Official Medical College of Bizkaia (Spain)
Online eye checks with an English-speaking GP licensed in Spain.
Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera
Licence No. 484814280 · Urgent, non-emergency care
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.
You don't have to figure this out alone
Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera is an independent, bilingual GP licensed in Spain. Book a 15-minute video consultation in English or Spanish for €50, with a private electronic prescription issued under Spanish law when clinically appropriate.
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.
Clinical Evaluation & Evidence-Based Protocol for Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) Treatment
During a telemedicine consultation with Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera (licensed medical practitioner No. 484814280 at the Official Medical College of Bizkaia), clinical evaluation adheres strictly to evidence-based medical (EBM) standards. The doctor conducts a thorough history, evaluating symptom duration, aggravating factors, prior treatments, and drug allergies to establish an accurate differential diagnosis.
Private Electronic Prescriptions (Receta Médica) Issued Under Spanish Law
When clinically indicated, Dr. Yelamo issues a private electronic prescription (Receta Médica Electrónica Privada) under Spanish law. The digital prescription contains a secure QR verification code accepted at all 22,000+ registered community pharmacies across Spain for immediate medication dispensing.
Itemized Invoices for Travel & Private Health Insurance Reimbursement
After your consultation, you receive an official medical report and an itemized invoice. The invoice shows Dr. Yelamo's licence details and tax ID. You can send it to your travel or private health insurer (such as Bupa, Allianz, Cigna, AXA or a US travel policy) to claim the cost back.
Preparing for Your Online Medical Consultation
Before your appointment, note when your symptoms started and any medicines you have already tried. Have your allergies and your usual prescriptions to hand. For a skin, rash or eye problem, sit in a well-lit room so the doctor can see it clearly.
Clinical Follow-Up & When In-Person Urgencias Are Necessary
Video care works well for common infections, mild sudden symptoms, skin rashes and repeat prescriptions. Some warning signs need emergency care in person: severe shortness of breath, a high fever you cannot bring down, chest pain or a stiff neck. If you have any of them, call 112 in Spain straight away.
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 urgent, non-emergency care. In a medical emergency call 112 immediately or go to your nearest emergency department.
Every day · 07:30–20:30One named doctor, from first call to follow-up
Book a secure 15-minute video consultation with Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera for €50. Appointments every day, 07:30–20:30 (Spain time). For urgent, non-emergency care; in an emergency, call 112.
Book a Video ConsultationPart of Urgent Telemedicine Consultations
Other things I treat, and what I can't treat online
Explore other treatments
Sore Throat Pain Treatment
UTI Treatment in Spain with an English-Speaking Doctor
Yeast Infection Treatment
Sinus Infection Treatment
Cold Sore Treatment
Bronchitis Treatment