Pinkeye Screening


Viral infections and allergies are more common causes of pinkeye. So, this tool helps us determine the likelihood of “pinkeye” (aka. conjunctivitis) being a bacterial infection.

If you’d prefer to just be seen in-person for an evaluation, just contact us to schedule a visit.

1. Age?
2. Emergency Screen
Right now, are any of the following present? Any one of these could be a sign of a medical emergency.
  • Newborn under 1 month old with a red eye or eye discharge
  • Eye pain that is more than mild
  • New blurry vision or loss of vision that does not clear with blinking
  • Strong sensitivity to light (hurts to be in normal light)
  • A blister-like rash on the eyelid, forehead, or tip of the nose
  • A large amount of pus that came on fast over a few hours
  • Recent eye injury or recent eye surgery
  • A contact lens is stuck or cannot be removed, with pain
3. Is a contact lens worn in the affected eye?
If yes, remove the lens now and do not wear lenses until cleared by the clinic.
4. What best describes the discharge or wetness?
Take a quick photo of the eye and discharge to show the clinic.
5. Are the eyelids stuck or glued shut in the morning?
6. Any sore throat, cold, or recent contact with someone who has pink eye?
Chance This Is Bacterial Pink Eye
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This estimate is based on at-home answers, which are less exact than an in-person eye exam.
You can paste these results in a message to share with your doctor or nurse at the clinic. They will reply with the appropriate next steps.
Clinical Citations & Scoring Logic

Primary Sources & Governing Evidence:

  • JAMA Rational Clinical Examination Systematic Review (Johnson et al., JAMA, 2022) — LR values for viral vs bacterial etiology.
  • AAFP Clinical Review (Winters et al., Am Fam Physician, 2024) — Diagnosis, management, and referral guidance.
  • AAO Referral Criteria (Azari & Barney, JAMA, 2013) — Red-flag and referral list.
  • Bedside "Red Eye" Systematic Review (Narayana & McGee, Am J Med, 2015) — Likelihood ratios for serious eye conditions.

Scoring Algorithm:

  • Child (<18 yr): +2 points
  • Adult (≥18 yr): -1 point
  • Thick yellow/green (pus) discharge: +2 points
  • Watery discharge: -1 point
  • Eyelids glued shut on waking: +2 points
  • Cold / sore throat / sick contact: -2 points

Risk Stratification:

  • Score ≤ 0: Low Risk Tier (15–20% bacterial likelihood)
  • Score 1–3: Moderate Risk Tier (40–50% bacterial likelihood)
  • Score ≥ 4: High Risk Tier (60–70% bacterial likelihood)
  • Contact Lens Override: High Risk minimum tier due to keratitis risk.
  • Emergency Screen Positive: Direct Emergency routing.
Photo Tips for Clinic Communication

When capturing a photo of your eye for remote clinic evaluation:

  • Use natural, indirect light (avoid direct blinding flash).
  • Focus closely on the affected eye, including the lower eyelid if pulled down gently.
  • Capture any discharge, redness, or eyelid crusting clearly.
  • Avoid using aggressive photo filters or blurs.