Pink eye vs. allergies: know the difference and when to seek help

April 17, 2024

When your eyes start itching, turning red, or watering, it’s natural to wonder why. Is it pink eye or just allergies? You need to know the difference because it affects how you treat these conditions. Let’s dive into what you need to know, keeping things straightforward.

Pink eye, medically known as conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the thin, clear covering of the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. Viruses, bacteria, allergens, or irritants can cause it.¹ The symptoms include redness in one or both eyes, itchiness, a gritty feeling, and discharge that forms a crust during the night. This can prevent one or both eyes from opening in the morning. Viral and bacterial pink eye can be contagious, spreading easily, especially among children in school settings.

What are allergies?

Allergies occur when your body’s defense system, the immune system, mistakenly attacks a harmless substance like pollen, pet dander, or dust mites. This happens because your immune system creates antibodies against these substances, wrongly identifying them as a threat.² Contact with these allergens can cause your immune system to overreact, resulting in swollen or irritated eyes, skin, nose, or stomach.

This overreaction in the eyes can cause allergic conjunctivitis, leading to symptoms such as itchiness, redness, tearing, and puffiness. This type of eye irritation is different from the contagious pink eye that is caused by an infection.

Similarities between pink eye and allergies

When your eyes become red, itchy, and watery, it could be a sign of either pink eye or allergies, making it challenging to determine which one you’re dealing with. These symptoms are common to both conditions and can affect either one or both of your eyes.³ Sometimes, both pink eye and allergies can make your eyes sensitive to light, leading to discomfort on bright days. Here’s a more in-depth look at the symptoms they share:

• Itchy eyes: This is a hallmark of irritation that both conditions provoke.
• Watery eyes: Overproduction of tears is a natural response to any eye irritation.
• Red, swollen eyes: Inflammation can cause the whites of your eyes to turn pink and swell up.
• Nasal congestion: While typically associated with allergies, some cases of pink eye, especially those caused by a virus, may come with a stuffed-up nose.
• Sneezing: This is often seen with allergies, but again, viral pink eye can present with cold-like symptoms, including sneezing.

The frustration with these shared symptoms is real, especially when determining the need for a doctor’s visit.

Allergy eyes vs pink eye

Identifying the triggers and patterns of your eye symptoms can often reveal whether you’re dealing with pink eye or allergies. For instance, if you notice eye irritation after being around pets, in certain environments, or when the seasons shift, this points towards allergies.⁴ Conversely, if there’s no improvement or an escalation in symptoms after several days, you might have pink eye, which can require targeted treatment based on the underlying cause.

Let’s look more closely at the differences:

Number of eyes affected: Pink eye often starts in one eye. If both eyes are affected, it could be a clue that you have allergies.

Association with other symptoms: Viral pink eye may come with flu-like symptoms such as a headache, a fever over 100°F, and a cough that produces mucus. On the other hand, symptoms that get worse with seasonal changes or after being outdoors may suggest allergies.

Is it contagious? This is a significant difference: pink eye can spread from person to person if caused by a virus or bacteria, but allergy symptoms can’t be passed on to others.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial not just for peace of mind but also for ensuring proper treatment. If you find your eyes are itchy and red, pay attention to these clues. And remember, when in doubt, the safest bet is to consult with a health care provider.

How do you know if you have pink eye or allergy eyes?

Pay attention to your symptoms and what triggers them. If your eyes turn red and itchy every spring when the pollen count rises, it’s likely allergies. But if you wake up with your eyes glued shut with discharge, pink eye might be the culprit. Think about your overall health, too. Feeling generally unwell or having a sore throat can accompany pink eye, especially the viral kind.

Healthcare Associates of Texas is here to provide comprehensive care tailored to your needs. If you struggle to determine whether you’re experiencing pink eye or allergies, our team can help you find answers and relief. Don’t hesitate to seek the compassionate and professional health care you deserve.

When to see a doctor for either eye condition

Deciding when to get a doctor involved for eye problems can be a tough call, but there are a few clear signs that it’s time to seek medical advice:

• If your symptoms are intense or don’t improve with over-the-counter medications.
• If you’re experiencing pain in your eyes.
• If lights seem too bright and bother you, or your vision isn’t as clear as usual.
• If your eyes have a lot of yellow or green gunk coming out of them.
• If you think you might have bacterial pink eye or your symptoms are worsening instead of better.

At Healthcare Associates of Texas, we understand that eye issues can be puzzling and uncomfortable. Whether it’s pink eye, allergies, or something else, we’re ready to figure out what’s going on and find the best way to treat it so you can feel like yourself again.

Getting the right diagnosis quickly means you can start feeling better faster. If you’re unsure why your eyes are giving you trouble, or if things don’t seem to be clearing up, come see us. Looking after your eyes is important – they’re your windows to the world, after all! Don’t wait it out if you’re concerned; we’re here to help whenever you need us.

References

1. “Pink Eye.” National Eye Institute. Last updated November 15, 2023. Accessed March 8, 2024. https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/pink-eye
2. Mayo Clinic. “Allergies: Symptoms & Causes.” Last modified February 22, 2024. Accessed March 8, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/allergies/symptoms-causes/syc-20351497
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Conjunctivitis: About Pink Eye: Symptoms.” Last reviewed January 4, 2024. Accessed March 8, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/conjunctivitis/about/symptoms.html

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. “Eye (Ocular) Allergy.” Accessed March 8, 2024. https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-treatments/allergies/eye-(ocular)-allergy