Were you startled by the pink hue of your eyes when you looked in the mirror this morning? Do your eyes feel irritated or watery? Are they itchy, gritty, or burning? You might fear that you have pink eye, the common name for conjunctivitis, a highly contagious viral or bacterial infection. But you might also wonder if it’s simply allergies, especially during springtime. So, let’s explore pink eye vs. allergies. What are the symptoms of each condition? How can you tell which is to blame for your red, itchy eyes? Most importantly, how can you get some relief?
Do You Have Pink Eye or Allergies?
Pink vs. allergies. Considering how many symptoms these conditions share, it’s no wonder that people often mistake one for the other.
It’s important to note that pink eye is characterized by an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva (the transparent membrane that lines the eyelid and covers the white part of the eyeball), and it doesn’t have a singular cause. Viruses and bacteria can cause pink eye, but so can irritating events: a chemical splash, a foreign object in the eye, exposure to smoke, etc. In addition, allergies can cause pink eye! This is known as allergic conjunctivitis.
Confused? Totally understandable. Basically, we’re not actually discussing pink eye vs. allergies because that doesn’t quite make sense. We’re focusing on contagious forms of pink eye (viral and bacterial conjunctivitis) compared to allergen-caused pink eye. From here on out, we’ll refer to viral and bacterial conjunctivitis as “pink eye” and allergic conjunctivitis as “allergies.”
Similarities & Differences
Obviously, both pink eye and allergies can make the whites of your eyes appear pink or red. They can also cause watery discharge, a gritty feeling, or the sensation that a foreign body is in your eye. These similarities often cause people to confuse one condition for the other. To distinguish between the two, keep an eye out for these differences:
- More than a little itchy? Intense eye itchiness is a symptom of eye allergies, not pink eye.
- Did your eye redness start in one eye and spread to the other? You probably have pink eye. If the redness affected both eyes from the start, it’s likely allergies.
- Are your eyelids puffy or swollen? You likely have allergies, and exposure to an allergen has caused your eyelids to swell.
- Are your eyelids or eyelashes sticky? If they’re sticky but not swollen, you likely have pink eye. Your eyelashes may also be crusty or even stick together, sealing your eye shut.
- Do you also have a runny nose or sore throat? Have you been sneezing? All of these symptoms point to allergies.
Your doctor will be able to tell you which condition you have after an eye examination.
Seeking Treatment
Whether you suspect you have pink eye or allergies, schedule an appointment with your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.
If you have pink eye, your treatment will depend on the underlying cause. Viral conjunctivitis typically resolves on its own within a few days, though sometimes it takes up to two weeks. Bacterial conjunctivitis may require antibiotics in the form of eye drops, ointment, or pills. In addition, keep in mind that pink eye is very contagious, so you should be careful when interacting with family and friends. And if the infection is only affecting one eye, use separate cloths or towels when cleaning the eye to prevent it from spreading to your other eye.
If you have allergies, commonly recommended treatments include antihistamine eye drops or oral medications, artificial tears, allergy immunotherapy, and cold compresses. Your doctor might also prescribe a decongestant, steroid, or anti-inflammatory drops to control inflammation. Finally, you might wish to stay inside on days with low humidity, high wind, and a high pollen count. Use an air conditioner or dehumidifier to keep the air clean and dry, and launder your clothes and bedding frequently.
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Whether you have pink eye or allergies, irritated eyes are never fun. Seek help so that you can get relief ASAP.
Looking for a new eye doctor? If you live in southwest Missouri, contact Heffington’s. Since 1975, the Heffington family has been assisting the Springfield community with top-quality eye care and affordable eyeglasses and contacts. One of the unique features of our family-owned business is that we manufacture lenses at our own laboratory, giving us total control over the service and pricing, and we’re happy to pass our savings on to you. To learn more about our products and services, please get in touch with us online, send an email to asktheexperts@heffingtons.com, or give us a call at 417-869-3937 (Optiland location) or 417-882-3937 (House of Vision location). We look forward to hearing from you!