If your eyes are red, itchy, or irritated, you might assume it’s pink eye—but don’t diagnose yourself too fast.
While conjunctivitis (commonly known as “pink eye”) is a common culprit, many other conditions share similar symptoms, leading patients to believe they have pink eye when it may be something else. From allergies to dry eye syndrome to more serious infections, several eye issues can mimic pink eye, making it important to get the right diagnosis.
In this post, we’ll break down what pink eye is, what can be mistaken for it, and how to tell the difference so you can get the right treatment for your eyes.
What Is Pink Eye?
Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, clear tissue covering the white part of your eye and the inside of your eyelids. This condition can make your eyes appear red, irritated, and watery, often leading to discomfort and discharge.
There are different types of pink eye, each with different causes:
- Viral conjunctivitis – The most common type, caused by a viral infection (like the common cold or flu). It usually spreads easily and clears up on its own.
- Bacterial conjunctivitis – Caused by a bacterial infection, this type often produces thick, yellow or green discharge and may require antibiotic eye drops.
Although pink eye is common, many people assume they have it when their symptoms are actually caused by another condition. That’s why understanding what isn’t pink eye is just as important as knowing what it is.
What Is Often Mistaken for Pink Eye?
Because pink eye symptoms—such as redness, irritation, and discharge—overlap with many other common eye conditions, people frequently assume they have pink eye when another issue is to blame. While conjunctivitis is a frequent cause of eye redness, it’s not always to blame.
Here are some of the most common conditions mistaken for pink eye:
1. Allergic Conjunctivitis
Unlike viral or bacterial conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious.
Instead, it’s triggered by allergens like pollen, pet dander, dust, or mold and often comes with itching, swelling, watery eyes, and sneezing. Unlike infectious pink eye, allergic conjunctivitis affects both eyes at the same time and often improves with antihistamines.
2. Dry Eye Syndrome
Chronic dry eye occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. This leads to redness, irritation, and a gritty sensation, which can easily be mistaken for pink eye.
Artificial tears often help relieve symptoms, and dry eye doesn’t cause discharge like bacterial pink eye does.
3. COVID-19-Related Pink Eye (“COVID Pink Eye”)
Some people with COVID-19 develop conjunctivitis, leading to red, watery eyes. While COVID pink eye can look similar to viral conjunctivitis, it’s usually accompanied by fever, cough, body aches, or other respiratory symptoms.
4. Uveitis
Uveitis is an inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye, and can cause redness, eye pain, blurred vision, and light sensitivity—symptoms that may lead people to believe they have pink eye. Iritis, a type of uveitis affecting the iris, often presents with deep eye discomfort and requires prompt medical treatment to prevent complications.
Unlike pink eye, uveitis is usually linked to autoimmune conditions or infections and should be evaluated by an eye doctor.
5. Keratitis
Keratitis is an infection or inflammation of the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye). It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or even contact lens overuse. Symptoms include severe eye pain, blurred vision, and light sensitivity—all of which distinguish it from pink eye.
6. Stye (Hordeolum)
A stye (also known as a hordeolum) is a painful, swollen lump along the eyelid, caused by a blocked or infected oil gland. While it can cause redness, swelling, and irritation, a stye is localized to the eyelid, rather than affecting the entire eye like pink eye does.
7. Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a chronic condition where the eyelids become inflamed, flaky, and irritated due to bacteria or clogged oil glands. This condition can cause red, itchy eyes and crusting along the lash line, making it easy to mistake for conjunctivitis.
8. Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
A subconjunctival hemorrhage occurs when a small blood vessel in the eye breaks, leading to a bright red patch on the white of the eye. It may look alarming but does not cause pain, itching, or discharge like pink eye does.
9. Contact Lens Irritation
Wearing contact lenses too long or not cleaning them properly can cause eye redness, irritation, and discomfort. While it may mimic pink eye, symptoms often improve by removing the lenses and giving the eyes time to rest.
Because the causes of eye redness vary—ranging from infections to inflammation or allergies—it’s important to seek a professional diagnosis rather than self-treating. An eye doctor can determine whether the symptoms are caused by a viral or bacterial infection, an underlying autoimmune issue, or an unrelated eye condition, ensuring the right course of treatment.
If eye redness is accompanied by severe pain, vision changes, light sensitivity, or doesn’t improve within a few days, a doctor should evaluate your symptoms to rule out more serious conditions.
Symptoms of Pink Eye
Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, can cause a range of symptoms that vary depending on whether the cause is viral, bacterial, or allergic. Common signs include:
- Redness in one or both eyes
- Itching or a gritty sensation
- Watery eyes due to increased tear production
- Discharge that can be clear and watery (viral or allergic pink eye) or thick and yellow/green (bacterial pink eye)
- Eyelids crusting or sticking shut after sleep, especially in bacterial pink eye
- Sensitivity to light, particularly in more severe cases
While these symptoms are commonly associated with pink eye, they can also indicate other eye conditions. If symptoms persist, worsen, or are accompanied by severe pain or vision changes, an eye doctor can help determine the correct diagnosis and treatment.
How To Diagnose & Treat Pink Eye
If you suspect pink eye, the best way to confirm the diagnosis is to see a healthcare provider. Family Tree Primary Care offers expert evaluation and treatment, so you don’t have to visit an eye doctor to get the care you need.
Your provider can determine whether your symptoms are caused by viral, bacterial, or allergic conjunctivitis and recommend the best course of action.
- Viral pink eye usually clears up on its own within a few days to two weeks. Applying cool compresses and using artificial tears can help relieve discomfort.
- Bacterial pink eye may require prescription eye drops to speed recovery and reduce contagiousness.
- Allergic pink eye can be managed with antihistamine eye drops, allergy medication, and avoiding triggers.
If your symptoms persist, worsen, or are accompanied by severe pain, vision changes, or intense light sensitivity, seek medical care immediately to rule out more serious conditions. Family Tree Primary Care provides fast, accessible care for pink eye and other common eye concerns, helping you get relief without unnecessary delays.
How to Prevent Pink Eye and Other Eye Infections
Preventing pink eye and other eye infections starts with good hygiene and smart habits to protect your eyes from irritation and bacteria.
Here are some key ways to reduce your risk:
- Wash your hands frequently – Avoid touching your eyes with unwashed hands, as bacteria and viruses can easily spread this way.
- Avoid sharing personal items – Towels, pillowcases, makeup, and eye drops should not be shared, as they can harbor bacteria.
- Follow contact lens safety – Always wash your hands before handling contacts, use fresh solution, and avoid wearing lenses longer than recommended. Sleeping in contacts can increase the risk of eye infections.
- Manage allergies – If you suffer from allergic conjunctivitis, keep allergens like pet dander and pollen under control, and use antihistamine drops as needed.
- Stay home when contagious – If you have pink eye, avoid close contact with others and disinfect commonly touched surfaces to prevent spreading the infection.
By taking these simple precautions, you can reduce the risk of pink eye and keep your eyes healthy. If you experience persistent redness, discomfort, or discharge, Family Tree Primary Care can help diagnose and treat your symptoms quickly.
Protect Your Eyes with the Right Care
Pink eye is common but is often confused with other eye conditions, and mistaking it for something else can delay proper treatment. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and prevention methods can help you make informed decisions about your eye health.
If you’re experiencing redness, itching, discharge, or discomfort, don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Family Tree Primary Care is here to provide expert, same-day care—no need to see a specialist first.
Our team can help diagnose the issue, recommend the right treatment, and get you feeling better fast.
Need relief?
Sign up with Family Tree today and get the care you deserve.
