Pink Eye or Something Else? 6 Commonly Misdiagnosed Eye Conditions

Pink eye is an inflammation of the conjunctiva (a transparent layer covering the eyes). Typically, conjunctiva is a clear thin tissue covering the eye's white part and lines the eyelid. Doctors have mostly seen it common in children. Pink eye is highly contagious. Though it is unlikely to damage your vision, treating pink eye is crucial as allergies or dry eyes can cause redness and swelling. It is often mistakenly identified as other eye conditions. So, a thorough examination can help provide adequate treatment. But what is commonly misdiagnosed as pink eye? 

Usually, people get confused about whether they get Pink eye due to allergens, chemicals, bacteria, or viruses. Pink eye may indicate a minor infection that will go away on its own or something more serious. This blog will comprehensively describe pink eye misdiagnosis conditions. Additionally, you will learn about pink eye, its causes, treatments, and prevention you can take to prevent Infection.

6 Commonly Misdiagnosed Eye Conditions

Some conditions are wrongly assumed to be pink eye which might make you think, “Is it conjunctivitis or something else”? To clear your confusion, we have listed some medical conditions that cause inflammation and red eyes like pink eye. Let's look at some medical conditions similar to pink eye:

1. Keratitis

Inflammation of the cornea is called Keratitis. You will see the open sore on the cornea, a clear layer covered on the eyes. Keratitis shows some signs and symptoms such as Pink Eye. 

• Redness

• Eye pain

• Soreness

• Watery eyes

• Pus

• Blurry Discharge

• Light sensitivity

• Swollen Eyelids

• White spot on the cornea

• The feeling of something in the eyes

Though it looks similar to pink eye, it is typically a different condition and problem. Therefore, it is very necessary to consult with an optometrist for further treatment.

2. Iritis

Inflammation of the iris is called Iritis, which is the colored part of the eye. This eye condition looks like a pink eye but is not found to be the same. It can lead to confusion. We have included the symptoms that sound similar to pink eye:

• Pain in the eye

• Severe eye pain

• Redness

• Abnormal shape of the pupil

• Blurry vision

• Headache

A few people wrongly diagnose Iritis as Pink Eye. Therefore, never self-medicate or diagnose the problem without consulting an ophthalmologist. 

3. Glaucoma

Glaucoma is the most common problem among people. It results in red and blurry eyes. A person may feel pain, nausea, headache, and vomiting. It is a vision-threatening condition. Also, it is mistakenly considered pink eyes because of the similar signs and symptoms to pink eyes. Those may include:

• Redness

• Eye pain

• Blurry vision

• Bright halos around objects

4. Blepharitis

Well, Blepharitis is what can mimic pink eyes. Blepharitis vs Pink Eye: How to differentiate between both eye conditions. Well, blepharitis is dry eye syndrome marked by chronic inflammation of the eyelids (that folds over the eyes to safeguard them). This occurs because of the growth of bacteria. On the other hand, pink eye is the inflammation of the conjunctiva (that is the inner lining of the eyelid to protect and lubricate the eyes). We have the potential symptoms:

• Burning eyelids

• Blurry vision

• Crusty eyelids

• Excessive blinking

• Sticking eyelids

• Watery eyelids

• Flaking skin

• Oily eyelids

• Itchy eyes

• Light sensitivity

• Red and swollen eyelids

• Red and irritated eyes

There is no specific treatment for blepharitis. However, doctors help you manage the signs.

5. Stye

Pink eye vs Stye. Understanding the main symptoms of both eye conditions can help tell the difference. A stye is one of the most common conditions that contain a bump or lump on your eyelid surface. On the other hand, the pink eye does not lead to such a symptom.  However, stye might sound similar to pink eye because of some common symptoms that we have included in the list:

• Pain around the bump

• Swelling

• Crusting near the Eye

• Light sensitivity

• Soreness

• Itchiness

• Watery eyes

• The feeling of something eye

Styes are like a pimple and blocked oil ducts on the eyelids' edge. Though it is not usually contagious, this medical condition still needs medical attention to treat it. 

6. Chalazion

It is generally a condition that is similar to stye. Though it is typically misdiagnosed as pink eye, it has similar symptoms. These small bumps cause: 

• Soreness 

• Redness 

• Swelling 

• Tenderness 

• Watery eyes 

• Mild eye irritation 

• Blurry vision

Pink Eye Overview

Pink eye is characterized by the inflammation of the conjunctiva. Typically, the conjunctiva is the transparent membrane that is responsible for covering your eyeballs and eyelids. Pink eye occurs when the small blood vessels present in the conjunctiva get irritated and become swollen. This significantly causes the white part of the eye to look pink or reddish. As per research, approximately 6 million of the U.S. population is affected by the pink eye yearly. Pink eye symptoms include:

• Blurry vision

• Itchiness

• Mild pain

• Sensitivity to light

• Inflammation and redness on the eyelid

• Pus or tears around the eye

• Burning sensation

• Redness

Type of Conjunctivitis (Pink Eyes)

Different types of conjunctivitis occur due to different factors. We have jotted down the type of conjunctivitis or pink Eye:

1. Infectious

Infectious conjunctivitis is the most common type of pink eye. Some types, called bacterial conjunctivitis, have a high risk of contamination. It can be treated only with antibiotics. A common cold significantly causes viral conjunctivitis. It contributes to a greater part of infectious conjunctivitis which is around 75% of cases. There are more chances of spreading from one person to another. Viral conjunctivitis does not have precise medicine. However, a full course is necessary to reduce the symptoms. 

2. Allergic

Many people have allergies to different things. Allergic conjunctivitis leads to inflammation of conjunctivitis due to the allergy. Around 15%-40% of people are affected with such conjunctivitis which is usually observed in summer and spring seasons. It can be treated with antihistamines. Also, remember that it is always recommended to visit a doctor. Never avoid your allergic response. 

3. Chemical

When any chemical or irritant accidentally falls in the eye. This leads to irritation, watery discharge, and redness. One study suggests that chemical irritations can also cause pink eye due to its potential to inflame the conjunctiva. Typically, conjunctiva is a thin membrane covering the eye's white part and the eyelids' inner surface. So, if this is the case, seek medical help.

Some Practical Measures For Conjunctivitis Prevention

There are some steps you should take to prevent pink eyes. We have made some points that you should consider. The following are the effective preventive measures: 

• Wash hands properly. 

• Avoid unnecessary touching of the eyes.

• Do not use infected eye products on the non-infected eye. 

• Avoid contact lenses. 

• Avoid sharing personal items like makeup. 

• Go for regular eye checkups.

• Examine the eye daily. 

• Wash it with fresh water. 

• Use artificial lenses.

• Apply a cold compress. 

• Clean eyelids with wet clothes. 

• Do not share pillows and towels.

To protect your eyes from sunshine or pollution, try remaining inside. The goal is to shield your eyes from glare and other external objects. To protect your eyes, you could also use prescription eyeglasses.

When To Visit an Eye Specialist For Pink Eyes?

You should visit a doctor for a pink eye if you experience symptoms like redness, itching, irritation, and discharge in your eyes. If these symptoms persist for over a day or two or become worse, see a doctor. Moreover, if you have eye pain, sensitivity to light, blurry vision, or suspect an infection, it's important to seek medical attention. Additionally, if you wear contact lenses, you should see a doctor if you suspect a pink eye. It is crucial as it can lead to complications. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the spread of pink eye. Additionally, it ensures you receive appropriate care on time.

Summing Up

The article addresses What Is Commonly Misdiagnosed As Pink Eye. Though some conditions are not serious, they need proper guidance and expert advice. We have explained the symptoms that occur in different conditions. In addition, we talked about conjunctivitis types and their preventive measures. If you see your condition worsening, you can directly ask the ophthalmologist about your condition. Never delay your visit to the doctor because it might bring complications. Remember to self-medicate without knowing the cause and condition until and unless a doctor has advised you. A great vision needs healthy eyes!!