Pink eye—just hearing the name can bring up thoughts of a contagious and frustrating eye condition. Pink eye is a highly contagious infection that is well-recognized by visible redness and constant itching, and it’s a lot more common than most people think.
However, it isn’t the only eye condition that can cause these symptoms. There are plenty of conditions that appear similar to pink eye, such as:
- Uveitis
- Dry eye disease
- Keratitis
- Blepharitis
- Styes
If you’re dealing with redness and itchy eyes, visit your optometrist for a professional diagnosis. It’s the first step toward finding treatment.
What Is Pink Eye?
Your eye has thin, transparent tissue lining the white area and the inside of the eyelid. This is the conjunctiva, and it’s responsible for producing tears and mucus. The conjunctiva is home to small, delicate blood vessels that can easily become inflamed or irritated.
When the conjunctiva becomes infected or irritated, it leads to conjunctivitis—more commonly called pink eye. It’s earned this common name due to the visible red-pink hue it gives the whites of your eyes as the blood vessels swell. Pink eye can be broken down into 3 primary types:
- Bacterial
- Viral
- Allergic
Bacterial Pink Eye
Bacterial pink eye occurs when the initial inflammation develops due to a bacterial infection. This often causes:
- Yellow or green discharge
- Pain or discomfort
- Swelling of the eyelids
- Light sensitivity
This type of pink eye is highly contagious through direct contact with contaminated surfaces and airborne droplets. However, it’s also easily treatable through antibiotics.
Viral Pink Eye
Viral pink eye develops when a viral infection sets off the symptoms. It often causes:
- Watery discharge
- Redness and irritation
- Sensitivity to light
- Swollen eyelids
This type of pink eye is also highly contagious. However, it can’t be treated with antibiotics, as they do not work on viruses.
Instead, you need to wait for viral pink eye to resolve itself. This typically takes about 2 weeks or so. While waiting for symptoms to recede, you can use warm compresses and artificial tears to find temporary relief when needed.
Allergic Pink Eye
Allergic pink eye results from the eye’s reaction to allergens like pollen, pet dander, or dust mites. This type of conjunctivitis is characterized by:
- Severe itching
- Redness
- Watery or teary eyes
- Swelling of the conjunctiva
Unlike bacterial and viral pink eye, allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious. Treatment typically involves antihistamines or other medications to control the allergic reaction and reduce symptoms.
While each type of pink eye has its own unique characteristics, there’s a catch—this isn’t the only condition that can cause redness, swelling, and more. Your eyes are an extremely sensitive part of the body, and they’re vulnerable to all kinds of different conditions and diseases.
So what is commonly misdiagnosed as pink eye?
Uveitis
Uveitis is an inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye. This condition can often cause:
- Severe pain and discomfort
- Blurry vision
- Light sensitivity
Uveitis requires quick attention, as it can lead to further complications in the eye if left untreated. If you suspect you have uveitis, visit your optometrist as soon as you can to discuss treatment.
Dry Eye Disease
Your eyes create tears to keep themselves protected, hydrated, and nourished. To properly function, these tears need a careful balance of water, oil, and mucus.
However, sometimes this balance can be disrupted. This leaves the eye unprotected, dry, and easily inflamed. When this occurs, it’s called dry eye disease.
Dry eye disease often causes:
- Stinging and burning sensations
- Redness
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
- A feeling of having something in your eye
Dry eye disease is often chronic and occasionally flares up. It has a wide range of causes, but fortunately can be treated through dry eye therapy with your optometrist.
Keratitis
Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea—the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. It often causes:
- Red eyes
- Eye pain
- Excessive tearing or discharge
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
Keratitis requires prompt medical attention, particularly if it results from an infection. Treatment varies depending on the cause but may include antibiotic, antifungal, or antiviral eye drops.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids, usually affecting the area where the eyelashes grow. It is commonly caused by bacterial infections or blockages of the oil glands. This creates a small breeding ground for bacteria that can lead to further inflammation.
- Red, itchy eyelids
- Flaking of the skin around the eyes
- Crusted eyelashes, particularly upon waking
- A gritty or burning sensation
- Watery eyes
Though blepharitis is not contagious, it can be difficult to manage without professional help. Warm compresses and proper hygiene can play a big role in managing symptoms. If your symptoms are more severe, your optometrist may recommend antibiotics or eye drops.
Styes
Styes, also known as hordeolum, are painful, red bumps that form near the edge of the eyelid, often resembling a pimple. They occur when an oil gland or hair follicle becomes infected, frequently resulting in:
- Swelling of the eyelid
- Tenderness and pain
- Discharge from the affected area
- Sensitivity to light
While styes are not typically contagious, they can cause significant discomfort. Treatment usually involves maintaining good eyelid hygiene and applying warm compresses to help drain the infection. It’s important to note that you should never try and pop a stye. This can spread bacteria around the eyelid and significantly increases the risk of developing an eye infection.
Do You Have Pink Eye?
Pink eye is a common problem, but it’s not the only problem that can affect the eyes. It’s easy to mistake another condition for pink eye, so a professional diagnosis is key to effectively managing your symptoms.
If you’re dealing with pink eye-related symptoms, contact our team at Visionary Eye Centre. We’re here to help you find relief from your symptoms, so request an appointment with us today!
