You wake up with a red, watery, and goopy eye. Your first thought is likely pink eye—also known as conjunctivitis. While pink eye is a common cause of irritation, many other eye conditions share similar symptoms.
Several conditions, from simple allergies to more serious issues, can cause symptoms similar to those caused by pink eye. An accurate diagnosis during an eye exam is the first step toward feeling better.
First, What Are the Telltale Signs of Pink Eye?
Before we explore what gets mistaken for pink eye, let’s cover the typical signs of conjunctivitis. This condition happens when the protective membrane over your eye, the conjunctiva, becomes inflamed. It’s often contagious and spreads easily from person to person.
Key Symptoms of Infectious Pink Eye
- Redness in the white of one or both eyes
- A gritty feeling, like sand is in your eye
- Itchiness or irritation
- Excessive tearing
- Discharge from the eye that forms a crust overnight
How Long Are You Contagious?
If you have viral or bacterial pink eye, you are highly contagious. Viral conjunctivitis can clear up in 7 to 14 days, while the bacterial form often improves within a few days of treatment. Good hygiene, like frequent hand washing, is key to prevent its spread to others.
Common & Less Serious Conditions That Mimic Pink Eye
Many conditions can make your eyes red and irritated but are not infectious like viral or bacterial pink eye. These are some of the most frequent culprits that look similar but have different causes. Getting the right diagnosis is important for finding relief.
Eye Allergies
Allergic conjunctivitis is a common reaction to things like pollen, dust, or pet dander. It’s not contagious and usually affects both of your eyes at the same time.
- Main signs: Intense itching, redness, and watery eyes.
Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough quality tears to stay lubricated. This is often a chronic condition that develops more slowly than an infection.
- Main signs: A burning or gritty sensation, redness, and blurry vision.
Blepharitis or a Swollen Eyelid
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids. It’s often caused by clogged oil glands at the base of your eyelashes.
- Main signs: Red, swollen eyelids; crusty eyelashes; and a feeling of irritation.
A Stye on Your Eyelid
A stye is a small, painful lump that forms on the edge of your eyelid when an oil gland becomes infected. It can cause symptoms that spread to the eye itself, making it red and watery.
- Main signs: A tender red bump on the eyelid, swelling, and tearing.
A Blocked Tear Duct
When a tear duct gets blocked, tears can’t drain properly. This leads to irritation and a higher chance of infection. This is common in babies but can affect adults too.
- Main signs: Watery eyes, swelling near the inner corner of the eye, and goopy discharge.
Eye Infections & Irritations Mistaken for Pink Eye
Not every red eye is due to conjunctivitis. Other issues, from infections of different eye parts to simple irritation, can cause similar-looking problems. It’s important to identify the true source of your discomfort.
Keratitis or a Corneal Ulcer
Keratitis is inflammation or an open sore on your cornea—the clear dome at the front of your eye. This condition is more serious than pink eye and requires prompt attention from an eye doctor.
- Main signs: Significant eye pain, redness, blurry vision, and sensitivity to light.
Irritation from Contact Lenses
Wearing your contact lenses for too long or not cleaning them properly can lead to irritation and discomfort. This can make your eyes red and uncomfortable. Sometimes this can lead to an infection if not addressed.
- Main signs: Redness, scratchiness, and watery eyes that feel better after you remove your lenses.
A Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
This may sound serious, but it’s usually harmless. It happens when a tiny blood vessel breaks on the surface of your eye, creating a bright red spot on the white part of your eye.
- Main signs: A visible spot of blood with no pain, discharge, or change in vision.
More Serious Eye Problems That Look Like Pink Eye
In some cases, a red eye can be a sign of a more serious condition that could affect your vision. These issues need a professional diagnosis right away to protect your eye health. Never ignore symptoms that seem severe or unusual.
Uveitis or Iritis
Uveitis is an inflammation of the middle layer of your eye, called the uvea. When it affects the iris—the coloured part of your eye—it’s known as iritis.
- Main signs: Redness, eye pain, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and seeing dark floaters.
An Angle-Closure Glaucoma Attack
This is a true eye emergency. It happens when fluid drainage in the eye is suddenly blocked, causing eye pressure to rise quickly in what is known as an angle-closure glaucoma attack. A red eye is a key symptom, but it comes with other distinct signs.
- Main signs: Severe eye pain, a bad headache, blurry vision, nausea, and seeing halos around lights.
How to Know When to See Your Eye Doctor in Regina
With so many possibilities, it’s difficult to diagnose a red eye on your own. A comprehensive eye exam is the only way to get an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment.
It’s time to book an appointment if you experience any of these:
- Moderate to severe eye pain
- Changes in your vision, such as blurriness
- High sensitivity to light
- A large amount of yellow or green discharge
- Symptoms that don’t improve after a few days
Don’t wait to get help for eye discomfort. At Advance Eye Care Center, your family’s health is our focus. Contact us to schedule an exam and get the care you need to protect your vision.
