A red or irritated eye often leads people to suspect “pink eye,” the non-medical term for conjunctivitis. This condition is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye and the inner eyelid. Because many other eye conditions present with similar redness, it is important to distinguish between conjunctivitis and a more serious underlying issue. Understanding your specific symptoms is the first step toward determining the correct course of action.
The Core Symptoms of Pink Eye
Conjunctivitis causes the small blood vessels in the eye to become more visible, resulting in the characteristic reddish or pink color. The condition typically presents with uncomfortable, but often mild, symptoms that affect one or both eyes. A frequent complaint is a sensation of grittiness, as if a foreign body is present.
The eye may also feel itchy or have a burning sensation, accompanied by increased tearing or discharge. Eyelids may appear swollen, and mild sensitivity to light (photophobia) can occur. The type and consistency of discharge offer the first clue to the underlying cause.
Identifying the Key Culprits
The cause of conjunctivitis determines its contagiousness and treatment, broadly categorizing the condition into viral, bacterial, and allergic types.
Viral Conjunctivitis
Viral conjunctivitis is the most common form, often caused by the same viruses responsible for the common cold. This type is highly contagious and usually produces a clear, thin, and watery discharge. It frequently starts in one eye and spreads to the other, often accompanied by symptoms of an upper respiratory infection.
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Bacterial conjunctivitis is also very contagious and is characterized by a thicker, pus-like discharge that is typically yellow or greenish. This sticky discharge often causes the eyelids to crust or stick together, especially upon waking. Unlike the viral form, it is usually treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious and is caused by an immune response to environmental triggers like pollen, dust, or pet dander. The distinguishing feature is intense itching, which is often the dominant symptom. It tends to affect both eyes simultaneously and is often accompanied by other allergy symptoms, such as sneezing or a runny nose.
Comparing Symptoms to Other Eye Conditions
Several other conditions can mimic the symptoms of conjunctivitis, making differentiation important for proper treatment.
Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome causes redness and irritation due to insufficient tear production or poor tear quality. This condition is usually chronic and lacks the contagious discharge seen in infectious conjunctivitis. It primarily causes a persistent gritty or foreign body sensation and sometimes foamy tears.
Stye (Hordeolum)
A stye is a localized infection of an oil gland in the eyelid, presenting as a painful, red bump resembling a pimple. Unlike the generalized redness of pink eye, a stye’s symptoms are concentrated in a specific area of the eyelid margin.
Keratitis
Keratitis, inflammation of the cornea, shares redness and irritation with conjunctivitis. However, it is marked by moderate to severe eye pain, blurred vision, and significant sensitivity to light. This condition affects the transparent front layer of the eye and is generally considered more serious than simple conjunctivitis.
Iritis (Anterior Uveitis)
Iritis involves inflammation of the iris and surrounding structures. It is often characterized by a deep ache in the eye, severe light sensitivity, and sometimes blurred vision or floaters. The redness in iritis is often concentrated around the iris. Proper diagnosis is essential because the treatment differs completely from that for conjunctivitis.
Warning Signs Requiring Immediate Medical Attention
Although most cases of conjunctivitis are mild and resolve without permanent damage, certain symptoms indicate a more serious eye problem that requires immediate professional evaluation. Seek urgent care if you experience any of the following:
- Any sudden or rapid change in vision, including blurriness or complete loss of sight.
- Intense or deep-seated eye pain that is worsening, rather than the mild discomfort typical of pink eye.
- Severe photophobia, which is an inability to tolerate even normal indoor light.
- Redness accompanied by a severe, throbbing headache.
- Sudden flashes of light or numerous new floaters.
- Symptoms of redness and discharge persist for more than 48 hours without improvement.
- You wear contact lenses and develop any red eye symptoms.