Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is a common eye condition that many people experience at some point in their lives. As the term suggests, pink eye causes a characteristic redness in the eye, as well as itching and discharge from the eyes. This leads many people to mistakenly assume that any irritation or redness in the eye is classified as pink eye.
Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, but other inflammations in or around the eye can be mistaken for pink eye. Several other conditions such as dry eye and styes can also mimic the symptoms of pink eye, leading to misdiagnosis and improper treatment.
Understanding the differences between pink eye and these other conditions is crucial for proper care and relief. If you think you have pink eye, be sure to visit your optometrist.
What Is Pink Eye?
Pink eye, medically known as conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva—the thin, transparent layer of tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye. Conjunctivitis can be caused by various factors. Pink eye caused by viral or bacterial infections are contagious. Irritants and allergens can also cause conjunctivitis but are not contagious.
Common Symptoms of Pink Eye
You may have symptoms in one eye or both eyes. In some cases, the symptoms can spread from one eye to the other. These symptoms include:
- Redness in the white of the eye or inner eyelid
- Increased tear production
- Grey or yellow discharge, especially after sleep
- Itchy, burning eyes
- Blurred vision and sensitivity to light
Conditions Often Mistaken for Pink Eye
Dry Eye
Dry eye syndrome is another condition that can mimic pink eye. It occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to irritation, redness, and discomfort.
Unlike pink eye, dry eye is not contagious and is often related to factors like aging, prolonged screen use, certain medications, or environmental factors like air quality. Treatment for dry eye typically involves artificial tears, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, prescription medications to help increase tear production.
Iritis
Iritis is the inflammation of the iris (the coloured part of the eye). An inflamed iris can cause redness and discomfort that might be mistaken for pink eye. However, iritis is a more serious condition that requires prompt medical attention.
Symptoms of iritis include eye pain, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision. Unlike pink eye, which affects the conjunctiva, iritis involves deeper structures of the eye, and treatment may involve corticosteroids or other anti-inflammatory medications.
Styes
A stye is a painful, red bump that forms on the edge of the eyelid, typically caused by a bacterial infection from an eyelash follicle or oil gland. The redness and swelling can sometimes be confused with pink eye.
However, styes are usually localized to one area of the eyelid and may be accompanied by a pus-filled center. Warm compresses and good eyelid hygiene are typically recommended to treat styes.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelid, which can cause redness, swelling, and irritation. Its symptoms are often mistaken for pink eye. Blepharitis is usually chronic and can be linked to bacterial infections, skin conditions like rosacea, or malfunctioning oil glands.
Treatment for blepharitis involves good eyelid hygiene, warm compresses, and sometimes antibiotics or steroid eye drops. Differentiating between blepharitis and pink eye is crucial for effective treatment and symptom relief.
Keratitis
Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. Like pink eye, keratitis can cause redness, pain, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light.
Keratitis can be caused by infections, injuries, or wearing contact lenses for too long. Treatment depends on the underlying cause but may include antibiotic, antiviral, or antifungal eye drops, as well as pain relief measures.
Types of Pink Eye
If you do have pink eye, properly diagnosing the type of conjunctivitis is still important, so you may receive proper care and treatment.
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Bacterial pink eye is often caused by staphylococcal or streptococcal bacteria. Touching your eyes with unclean hands can infect your eyes with bacteria and cause conjunctivitis. Sharing contaminated cosmetic and skin care products can also spread the bacteria.
Viral Conjunctivitis
Pink eye is commonly caused by a virus. Viral pink eye is usually caused by the common cold or other contagious viruses. Close contact with people who are sick, as well as exposure to coughs and sneezes, can infect the eye with a virus and cause an inflammation of the conjunctiva.
You can also contract viral conjunctivitis when you have a cold, as the virus can spread to the eyes in various ways.
COVID Conjunctivitis
COVID pink eye is a type of viral pink eye. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, some patients with the virus exhibit symptoms of conjunctivitis, experiencing redness, increased tears, and eye irritation.
However, COVID-related conjunctivitis is typically accompanied by other COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever, cough, and loss of taste or smell. If you suspect COVID pink eye, it’s important to follow public health guidelines and seek medical advice.
Chemical Conjunctivitis
Sometimes, irritants like smoke, foreign bodies, or chlorine can get in the eye and cause pink eye. This type of conjunctivitis is not contagious, but your pink eye won’t go away until you avoid the irritants causing the condition.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Allergic reactions to pollen, dust, or pet dander can also cause inflammation in the conjunctiva. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious and is usually accompanied by other allergy symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, or itchy skin.
Allergic reactions occur when the immune system overreacts to certain allergens. The eyes may become swollen and red, similar to viral or bacterial conjunctivitis, but treatment typically involves allergy medications rather than antibiotics or antiviral drugs.
How To Treat Pink Eye
Treating pink eye depends on the underlying cause:
- Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Antibiotic eye drops or ointments are usually prescribed to help clear the infection.
- Viral Conjunctivitis: This type of pink eye often clears up on its own within a few days to two weeks. Cool compresses and lubricating eye drops can help ease symptoms.
- Allergic Conjunctivitis: Antihistamines or allergy eye drops can relieve symptoms, along with avoiding the allergen.
- Chemical Conjunctivitis: Removing the irritant and rinsing the eyes with saline can help alleviate symptoms.
Treating Other Conditions
If you’re experiencing eye discomfort or redness, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis. Conditions that mimic pink eye, like iritis or keratitis, can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.
Visiting your eye doctor for a proper diagnosis ensures that you receive the right treatment and avoid any potential risks to your vision. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if your symptoms persist or worsen.
Book Your Next Eye Exam & Discover Relief Today
If you’re unsure whether you have pink eye or another eye condition, our team at Northern Lights Eyecare is here to help. We are dedicated to providing personalized care for you and your eye health needs.
Schedule your next eye exam with us today and get the relief and clarity you deserve.
