Pink eye is a prevalent condition that can affect anyone. But it also shares similar symptoms with other common eye conditions. Some of these condition commonly misdiagnosed as pink eye include:
- Allergic conjunctivitis
- Dry eye syndrome
- Eye strain
- Blepharitis
- Contact lens irritation
The fact that it’s so easy to misdiagnose highlights the importance of seeing your eye doctor, especially when unsure what condition you have.
For example, you may experience immense irritation due to improper contact lens use. The solution is often to simply change your contacts or let your eyes rest. If you book an eye exam at the onset of your symptoms, your eye doctor could advise you on a simple solution to save you money and discomfort.
What Is Pink Eye
Conjunctivitis, often known as pink eye, results in redness and inflammation of the eyelid’s internal lining and the clear membrane covering the eye’s white part (sclera). This inflammation is typically due to viral or bacterial infections.
Viral conjunctivitis
Viral conjunctivitis can result in redness, burning sensation, and watery discharge. Symptoms often persist for 1 to 2 weeks, when the person is assumed to be infectious. Time is typically the best treatment, with cold compresses and lubricating eye drops commonly used to alleviate symptoms.
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Bacterial conjunctivitis is characterized by redness, a yellow or green mucus discharge, and sticky lashes and eyelids, particularly noticeable in the morning. Topical antibiotic eye drops, available on prescription from your optometrist, can effectively treat this infection.
Common Eye Conditions Misdiagnosed as Pink Eye
Several conditions are commonly misdiagnosed as pink eye.
Allergic conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis is an allergic reaction in the eyes. Common allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander can trigger this condition. Symptoms of redness, itching, watering, and eye swelling, reminiscent of pink eye, often leading to misdiagnosis.
Considering associated seasonal allergy symptoms can help distinguish between these 2 conditions.
Dry Eye
Dry eye syndrome, a condition in which the eyes don’t produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, can cause redness, irritation, and a gritty sensation in the eyes. These symptoms mimic those of viral pink eye and can be misdiagnosed.
Observing when symptoms occur can assist in differentiating between dry eye and pink eye.
Eye Strain
Digital eye strain or fatigue is a prevalent condition caused by the overuse of digital devices or reading and can lead to redness, dryness, and a tired sensation in the eyes, which can be mistaken for pink eye.
Frequency of headaches, neck pain, and blurred vision can help distinguish between these two conditions. Fortunately, the treatment for digital eye strain is to allow your eyes to rest, which can be another telltale sign—if your symptoms improve with rest, you’re likely experiencing eye strain.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a common condition that causes inflammation and irritation of the eyelids. It can present symptoms similar to pink eye. But blepharitis usually doesn’t result in eye discharge. Flaking or scaling can be telltale signs of this condition.
Contact Lens Irritation
Contact lens irritation from ill-fitting or improperly cared-for lenses can lead to redness, discomfort, and blurred vision. If these symptoms occur while wearing contacts or shortly after removal, contact lens irritation rather than pink eye is the probable cause.
Changing your contacts or wearing eyeglasses for a while is often the only treatment your eyes need.
Pink Eye Prevention & Treatment Options
While prevalent, pink eye isn’t challenging to prevent. Several ways to reduce your risk of developing pink eye are:
- Practice good hygiene, such as regular hand washing, and keep your eyelids clean with a gentle cleanser designed for use around the eyes
- Avoid sharing personal items like towels, makeup, or anything that goes in or around the eyes
- Keep commonly touched surfaces clean to minimize the transfer of viruses or bacteria to your eyes
There isn’t a single treatment for pink eye because it depends on the root cause. Common options your eye doctor may recommend include:
- Antibiotic eye drops or ointments for bacterial pink eye
- Antihistamine eye drops can help alleviate allergic conjunctivitis symptoms
- Artificial tears to soothe discomfort and dryness—also a common treatment for dry eye syndrome
- Cold compresses to reduce swelling and inflammation can provide symptom relief
Importance of an Accurate Diagnosis
With so many conditions sharing similar symptoms to various forms of pink eye, an accurate diagnosis is essential to ensure the correct treatment and avoid unnecessary complications. If you contract conjunctivitis, staying home from school or work until the infection resolves is important to prevent spreading it to others.
At Henderson Vision Centre, we put patients first by offering comprehensive eye care services and precise diagnoses. We strongly advise booking an appointment if you have any concerns or are experiencing pink eye symptoms. One of our experienced optometrists can examine your eyes, review your symptoms, and offer tailored advice to prevent complications and get your eyes feeling their best.
