Pink Eye or Something Else? 6 Commonly Misdiagnosed Eye Conditions

You wake up in the morning with irritated and red eyes and assume it is a pink eye, an inflammation of the conjunctiva (a transparent layer covering the eyes). But what if that discomfort is something else? Several eye conditions imitate pink eye (also called conjunctivitis), leading to misdiagnosis risk and inaccurate treatment. Understanding the difference between each eye condition is crucial for receiving the right care! This blog will help you know What is commonly misdiagnosed as pink eye. Let's Read!

What is Commonly Misdiagnosed as Pink Eye? 7 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 conditions often mistaken for 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 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

Blepharitis is dry eye syndrome marked by chronic inflammation of the eyelids (that folds over the eyes to safeguard them). 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). Both share 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

Doctors help you manage the signs with medications, hygiene measures, and treatments like Intense pulsed light (IPL). 

5. Stye

Stye vs. pink eye; 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

Though stye 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

7. Dry Eye Syndrome

This eye condition is marked by poor-quality tears or insufficient tear production. When the eyes become dry and are not adequately lubricated, you experience similar symptoms to pink eyes. However, unlike conjunctivitis, dry eye syndrome can lead to sting feelings in the eye. The symptoms shared by dry eye similar to the pink eye are:

• Redness

• Irritation

• Gritty sensation

• Discomfort

• Watery eyes

So, if you experience the symptoms of these eye conditions, see a doctor to determine the exact cause and get the right treatment. 

What is Pink Eye?

Pink eye is characterized by the inflammation of the conjunctiva, a transparent membrane that is responsible for covering your eyeballs and eyelids. It 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 it from one person to another.

• Moreover, viral conjunctivitis does not have precise medicine. However, a full course is necessary to reduce the symptoms. 

2. Allergic

• Allergic conjunctivitis leads to inflammation of conjunctivitis due to the allergy as many people have allergies to different things.

• 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 symptoms of allergic reactions like itchy, watery, and red eyes, a burning sensation, and swollen eyelids.

3. Chemical

• One study suggests that chemical irritations can also cause pink eye due to its potential to inflame the conjunctiva. 

• When any chemical or irritant accidentally falls in the eye. This leads to irritation, watery discharge, and redness.

• So, if this is the case, seek medical help.

Is Pink Eye Contagious? 

Yes, pink is contagious and spreads from one person to another whether it is caused by bacteria or viruses. It can be transmitted to others through direct contact with infected eye fluids or contaminated surfaces. It can also spread through indirect contact like touching contaminated objects like makeup products, towels, or tissues and then touching your eyes.

But, you can prevent it by washing your hands, avoiding sharing your eye products, not touching the eyes, and washing the eye discharge with clean wet clothes or cotton balls.

How Long Does Pink Eye or Conjunctivitis Last? 

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis can generally go away on its own in about 1 to 2 weeks. However, the length of time can vary based on the cause (bacterial, allergic, or viral) and whether the appropriate treatment is sought. For instance, viral conjunctivitis can resolve in around 7–14 days while some cases may take 2 to 3 weeks. On the other hand, bacterial conjunctivitis mostly takes 2-5 days to subside without treatment, but sometimes it can take 2 weeks. 

When To Visit an Eye Specialist For Pink Eyes?

You should visit a doctor for a pink eye if you experience the following symptoms that persist for more than two days or become worse:

• Redness

• Itching

• Irritation

• Eye discharge

Moreover, if you have eye pain, sensitivity to light, blurry vision, or suspect an infection, seek medical attention. 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.

How to Treat a Pink Eye?

Here’s the treatment options for pink eyes depending on their cause:

Some Practical Measures To Prevent Conjunctivitis 

The following are the effective preventive measures: 

• Wash hands properly: Helps prevent spreading conjunctivitis to others through direct contact as it is highly contagious. 

• Avoid unnecessary touching of the eyes: Prevents the risk of spreading it to others through direct contact with infected eye discharge or tears or through indirect contact with eye makeup.

• Avoid contact lenses: Worsen inflammation, spread infection, and slow down recovery, especially if you have viral or bacterial conjunctivitis. 

• Go for regular eye checkups: Helps with early detection and treatment that can prevent more complications and ensure optimal eye vision.

• Wash it with fresh water: Aids in getting rid of potential irritants and pathogens, and supports good eye hygiene.

• Clean eyelids with wet clothes: Prevents the spread of pink eye by removing debris and eye discharge that has viruses and bacteria in them.  

• Do not share pillows and towels: Might contain viruses and bacteria that cause pink eye which can be spread to others using them. 

Summing Up

The article addresses What Is Commonly Misdiagnosed As Pink Eye. Keratitis, Iritis, Glaucoma, Blepharitis, Stye, and Chalazion can be misdiagnosed as pink eye as they share some similar symptoms. So, watch for each symptom and see an ophthalmologist if you experience any to determine the exact cause and get the right treatment. 

Never delay your visit to the doctor because it might bring complications. Remember to not self-medicate without knowing the cause and condition until and unless a doctor has advised you. A great vision needs healthy eyes!!