What is Commonly Misdiagnosed as Pink Eye? – Conjunctivitis (pink eye) is an inflammation of the conjunctiva caused by infections or allergies. Depending on whether it’s bacterial, viral, or allergic, pink eye can cause the following symptoms:
- Redness
- Grittiness, or feelings of something stuck in your eye
- Itchiness
- Burning
- Swollen eyelids
- Wateriness or discharge
- Blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Mild pain
However, numerous other conditions can cause these symptoms, too. Read on to learn more about these conditions and how they differ from pink eye.
What else could be mistaken for pink eye?
Redness, itching, and discharge from the eyes are all signs and symptoms of pink eye. However, some of the same symptoms can also occur in the other eye.
Hordeolum Stye
Styes usually develop along the eyelashes, but can sometimes grow on the eyelids. Although a stye can cause a red eye, it is recognized by a red, painful bump that resembles a pimple. Eyelid swelling also occurs.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is distinguished from pink eye by the symptoms of eyelid swelling and dryness. Also, unlike the pink eye, blepharitis causes foamy tears to form in your eyes.
Keratitis
Keratitis is the inflammation or irritation of the cornea in the front of the eye. It has the same symptoms as pink eye, except that keratitis can be more painful.
Iritis or uveitis
Iritis is a type of uveitis called anterior uveitis. It is an inner eye inflammation or irritation due to certain cancers, autoimmune diseases, and infections. These are wavy lines or black spots that move across your field of vision. You may be sensitive to light if you have pain in the front of your eye.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a degenerative eye disease caused by damage to the optic nerve behind your eye. Early cases are usually asymptomatic, but late cases can cause vision problems. However, unlike pink eye, glaucoma does not cause redness or discharge.
Allergies
Pink eyes can be a sign of allergies. The difference between allergies and red eyes is that allergies always cause itching. Pink eye usually has no eye discharge, although it can cause tearing.
Dry eye
Dry eye syndrome is caused by a lack of tears in the eyes. The symptoms are similar to pink eyes. However, unlike pink eyes, dry eyes cause eye irritation. Dry eyes are usually chronic, while pink eyes come on suddenly.
Episcleritis
Episcleritis is inflammation of the episclera (the clear layer over the white of the eye) and can occur in one or both eyes. Redness and pain are common, but vision problems and discharge are infrequent.
Corneal abrasion or other injury
A corneal abrasion is an eye injury that involves scratching the cornea of the eye. It usually occurs due to contact injuries and foreign objects (such as sand) that may enter the eye.
Chalazion
Chalazions are bumps on the eyelids that become swollen, red, and tender, and sometimes cause the eyelids to swell.
Scleritis
Scleritis is an inflammation of the sclera (the white part of the eye). It usually occurs in one eye and has symptoms similar to pink eye, except for the thickened eye. The pain caused by scleritis can spread from the eyes to the jaw and other parts of the face and head.
When to contact a doctor?
Consult your doctor if:
- Your symptoms do not improve within a few days
- You have symptoms of an eye infection
- You have had an eye injury
- Your symptoms may be related to chronic diseases, such as autoimmune diseases
What are the common treatments for pink eye?
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Antibiotic Eye Drops/Ointment: Your doctor should recommend this to clear up the infection. Healing usually occurs within a few days of starting treatment
Warm compress:
Apply a warm cloth to the eye to reduce discomfort and drain the infection
Cold compress:
Use a cool, wet cloth over the area. Eye drops to reduce eye swelling and discomfort Viral conjunctivitis usually clears up on its own in one to two weeks. It also reduces itching.
Avoid Allergies:
Identify and Prevent Allergies that Cause Reactions
General Care is for Everyone
Preferences Good hygiene:
Wash your hands regularly, don’t touch or brush your eyes, and don’t share personal items like towels or pillows
Don’t wear contact lenses: don’t wear glasses until infected.
Removal
Long-term removal: Gently wash the discharge from the eye with a clean, warm, damp cloth. It is important to see a doctor to find out the truth and medical treatment is necessary, especially if symptoms persist or worsen.
Conclusion
Redness, blurred vision, and tears are symptoms of pink eye. However, symptoms associated with pink eye can also be caused by other conditions. Visit your doctor to determine the cause of the pain so you can get the right treatment.
