Same-day diagnosis and treatment for conjunctivitis in children and adults. Walk in to TrufaMED Urgent Care in Surfside, FL — prescription eye drops available on-site.
Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is an inflammation of the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, allergens, or irritants, and the treatment differs depending on the cause.
You should visit TrufaMED if you have eye redness accompanied by thick yellow or green discharge (suggesting bacterial infection), if both eyes are affected, if you are experiencing light sensitivity or blurred vision, if symptoms are not improving after 24–48 hours, or if a child in daycare or school has symptoms and needs clearance to return.
Our physicians can quickly determine whether your conjunctivitis is bacterial, viral, or allergic and provide targeted treatment. Bacterial pink eye typically responds rapidly to prescription antibiotic eye drops, which we can prescribe during your visit.
Careful visual inspection of both eyes including the conjunctiva, eyelids, and surrounding structures to identify the type and severity of infection.
Your physician differentiates between bacterial, viral, and allergic conjunctivitis based on symptom patterns, discharge characteristics, and clinical presentation.
Antibiotic eye drops or ointment for bacterial pink eye, or antihistamine drops for allergic conjunctivitis. Viral cases receive supportive care guidance and symptom management.
Clear guidance on how long you or your child are contagious, when it is safe to return to work, school, or daycare, and how to prevent spreading the infection to family members.
Assessment for signs of more serious eye conditions that can mimic pink eye, such as corneal ulcers, iritis, or foreign body, ensuring you receive the right care.
For children who need documentation to return to daycare or school, we provide clearance notes confirming appropriate treatment has been initiated.
Pink eye is one of the most common eye conditions, especially in children and people living in warm, humid environments like South Florida. Bacterial conjunctivitis causes thick, yellow-green discharge and is highly contagious but responds well to antibiotic drops. Viral conjunctivitis, often associated with a cold, produces watery discharge and usually resolves on its own within 1–2 weeks. Allergic conjunctivitis causes itching, tearing, and puffiness and responds to antihistamine treatment.
At TrufaMED, our physicians are experienced in quickly distinguishing between these types. This is important because prescribing antibiotics for viral or allergic pink eye is ineffective and unnecessary. Accurate diagnosis leads to faster relief and prevents unnecessary medication use.
We also screen for more serious eye conditions that can present similarly to pink eye. If we identify signs of a corneal issue or other condition requiring specialist care, we can provide an appropriate referral the same day.
Walk in or book online. Same-day pink eye treatment at TrufaMED Urgent Care in Surfside, FL.
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Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelids and covers the white part of the eye. Proper identification of the specific type of conjunctivitis is essential because treatment varies significantly depending on the cause. At TrufaMED Urgent Care in Surfside, our physicians are experienced in differentiating between the three primary types and initiating appropriate treatment during your visit.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is characterized by thick, yellow-green discharge that may cause the eyelids to stick together, particularly upon waking. This form is highly contagious and typically affects one eye initially before spreading to the other. Common bacterial causes include Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae. Bacterial pink eye responds well to prescription antibiotic eye drops or ointments, with most patients experiencing significant improvement within 24 to 48 hours of starting treatment.
Viral conjunctivitis produces a watery, clear discharge and is often associated with upper respiratory infections or cold symptoms. It is the most common form of pink eye and is extremely contagious, spreading easily through direct contact with infected secretions or contaminated surfaces. While viral conjunctivitis typically resolves on its own within one to two weeks, our physicians can prescribe supportive treatments including lubricating eye drops and cold compresses to manage symptoms during recovery.
Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mold trigger an immune response in the conjunctiva. Unlike infectious forms, allergic conjunctivitis affects both eyes simultaneously and is accompanied by intense itching. South Florida's year-round pollen season makes allergic conjunctivitis particularly common among Miami Beach and Surfside residents. Treatment includes antihistamine eye drops, oral antihistamines, and avoidance of known triggers.
Pink eye is one of the most frequent reasons children are sent home from school or daycare. Children are particularly susceptible to conjunctivitis because they touch their eyes frequently and share close contact with classmates. Most schools and daycare centers in the Miami-Dade and Broward County area require a physician's clearance before a child with pink eye can return to the classroom.
At TrufaMED, we provide same-day evaluation for children with suspected pink eye and issue school and daycare clearance letters when appropriate. Our physicians examine your child's eyes, determine the type of conjunctivitis, and prescribe treatment if needed. For bacterial pink eye, children can typically return to school 24 hours after starting antibiotic eye drops. We provide clear instructions to parents on medication administration, hygiene practices to prevent spread within the household, and signs that would warrant a follow-up visit.
Contact lens wearers who develop pink eye require special attention, as they face an increased risk of corneal complications. Our providers advise patients to discontinue contact lens use until symptoms fully resolve and may recommend replacing lenses and cases to prevent reinfection.
While most cases of pink eye are mild and self-limiting, certain symptoms warrant prompt medical evaluation. Severe eye pain, significant light sensitivity, blurred vision that does not clear with blinking, a foreign body sensation in the eye, or symptoms in a patient with a weakened immune system all require immediate assessment to rule out more serious conditions such as keratitis, uveitis, or corneal ulceration.
Newborns who develop eye redness or discharge within the first month of life should be evaluated urgently, as neonatal conjunctivitis can be caused by sexually transmitted organisms acquired during delivery and may lead to serious complications without prompt treatment. Parents who notice eye discharge in their newborn should seek medical care the same day.
Patients who wear contact lenses and develop red eyes should be evaluated promptly because contact lens use increases the risk of bacterial keratitis, a potentially sight-threatening infection. Our physicians can differentiate between simple conjunctivitis and more serious corneal infections and initiate appropriate treatment or arrange an urgent ophthalmology referral when necessary.
Infectious conjunctivitis is highly contagious and can spread rapidly through families, schools, and workplaces. Practicing proper hygiene is the most effective way to prevent transmission. Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water, especially after touching your eyes or face. Avoid sharing towels, washcloths, pillowcases, eye drops, or cosmetics with others. Replace eye makeup and discard contact lens solutions that may be contaminated.
If someone in your household has pink eye, clean frequently touched surfaces including doorknobs, light switches, and bathroom fixtures. Encourage the affected individual to use separate towels and linens until symptoms resolve. These measures are especially important in South Florida's close-knit communities where families often share beach towels, pool facilities, and common spaces.
TrufaMED Urgent Care provides walk-in pink eye diagnosis and treatment seven days a week. Our board-certified physicians evaluate your symptoms, determine the cause of your conjunctivitis, and prescribe targeted treatment during your visit. Prescription antibiotic eye drops are available same-day through local pharmacies, and many patients experience symptom improvement within 24 hours of starting treatment.
We provide school and daycare clearance letters, work excuse notes, and detailed home care instructions for every pink eye patient. Our clinic at 9445 Harding Ave in Surfside serves families from Miami Beach, Bal Harbour, Bay Harbor Islands, Sunny Isles Beach, Aventura, and the greater Miami-Dade area. No appointment is necessary, and our wait times are typically much shorter than emergency room visits for this common condition.
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