- Pink eye symptoms
- Dry eyes vs pink eye
- Conjunctivitis treatment
- Eye irritation causes
- Dry eye relief
- Swollen itchy eyes
- how can I tell if I have pink eye/conjunctivitis or dry eyes
Pink eye
It's often caused by:
- Viruses (most common, highly contagious)
- Bacteria (also contagious)
- Allergies (not contagious)
- Irritants (like smoke or chlorine)
- Pollutants (e.g. smoke, chemicals, pollution eye irritation)
Common symptoms:
- Red or pink discoloration in the whites of the eye
- Itchy or burning sensation
- Burning eyes
- Watery or thick yellow/green discharge
- Eyelids stuck together in the morning
- Swollen eyelids
- Sensitivity to light (sometimes)
Dry Eye
Dry Eye Syndrome occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears - or the right kind of tears - to stay lubricated.
- Screen time and reduced blinking
- Aging (especially post-menopause)
- Certain medications (e.g., antihistamines, antidepressants)
- Autoimmune conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome
- Environmental factors like dry air or wind
- Contact lens dry eye
- Dry eyes in plane or air-conditioned environments
- Allergies causing dry eyes
Common symptoms of dry eye:
- Gritty or sandy feeling
- Stinging or burning
- Blurred vision that improves with blinking
- Eye fatigue, especially at the end of the day
- Eye constantly watering
- Dry blurry eyes
- Allergic eyes
How to treat and manage:
-
Pink Eye: Viral types usually clear on their own in 1–2 weeks. Bacterial types may need antibiotic drops. Always wash hands, avoid sharing towels, and don’t wear contact lenses until symptoms resolve.
-
Dry Eyes: Use preservative-free artificial tears regularly - like our Instant Relief Eye Spray. Try a hot compress, like our Heated Eye Wand LED+, consider omega-3 supplements, and use a humidifier in dry environments.
In summary - how to tell the difference?
There are 5 key differences between pink eye and dry eye:
1. Look at Your Tears: Too Many or Too Few?
- Pink Eye: Causes watery or thick discharge. If your eyes are watering a lot with yellow or green gunk, it could be conjunctivitis.
- Dry Eyes:May cause eyes constantly watering, but the tears are often a reflex to dryness—not true hydration.
- Ask yourself:are my tears soothing, or are my eyes still dry and gritty after crying?
2. Check the Color: Red and Angry or Just Irritated?
- Pink Eye:Usually causes bright red eyes, especially on the whites.
- Dry Eyes:Often look slightly red or tired, especially after screen time or long days.
- Redness from dry eyes is usually mild - pink eye is more dramatic.
3. Blurry Vision: Temporary or All Day?
- Pink Eye: May cause blurry vision from sticky discharge.
- Dry Eyes:Often causes blurry eyes that clear when you blink, especially with tired eye relief drops.
- Wondering “can dry eyes cause blurry vision?” Yes, and it’s often worse in the evening.
4. Morning Eyes: Stuck or Just Dry?
- Pink Eye: Waking up with crusty lashes or stuck eyelids? Classic sign of bacterial pink eye.
- Dry Eyes:May feel gritty or like burning eyes when you first wake up, but no goopy mess.
- If you’re asking “why are my eyes glued shut?” - think pink eye.
5. Timing: Allergy Season or Screen Time?
- Pink Eye:Can be triggered by allergies, viruses, or bacteria - and spreads fast.
- Dry Eyes:Often worse in dry air, on planes (dry eyes in plane), or with hormonal changes (menopausal dry eyes).
Leave a comment (all fields required)
Comments will be approved before showing up.
