Pinkeye is a challenging condition to diagnose. Itchy red eyes can be caused by dry eye, irritation from a foreign object, or conjunctivitis.

Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis in the medical world, is characterized by some distinct features. You shouldn’t wait to treat conjunctivitis until your next exam. Pink eye is an eye emergency because of the discomfort and threat it poses to your eye’s health. If you have pink eye, consult an eye doctor or a general practitioner. You can also seek emergency medical attention.

CONJUNCTIVITIS & PINK EYE

Conjunctivitis and pink eye are not always the same, but because they overlap so much, it is easier to think about it this way. Pink eye is one type of conjunctivitis. All pink eye is conjunctivitis but not all conjunctivitis. It is not uncommon for the terms to be used interchangeably.

Viruses and bacteria both have the potential to cause pink eye. Both are known as infectious pink eye. Another type of pink eye is allergic conjunctivitis. Many people call it “allergies.”

WHAT IS PINK EVEN?

Pink eye is a group of symptoms that include:

  • Redness
  • Itching
  • Gritty Feeling
  • Overnight, discharge forms a crust, which seals your eyes by morning
  • Watery Eyes

One or both eyes can be affected by these symptoms.

INFECTIOUS PINK EYE

This mucous discharge from the eye is the most important sign. You should act quickly with the assistance of a doctor. This is a sign that your eye has been infected by a virus or bacteria. These two types of pink eye are treated differently, so it’s important to get the right diagnosis. You should also seek treatment quickly because pink eye is contagious. You don’t want it to spread to coworkers, loved ones, or strangers.

VIRAL PINK EVIL

This type causes your eyes to be very red, and you will see a yellow-green discharge. This is the same virus that causes a sore throat, runny nose, and a cold. However, it only affects your eyes. Sadly, there is no treatment for this illness. You have to wait around a week, just like you would with a cold.

BACTERIAL PINK EYE

The viral pink eye produces less mucous and pus. The color of the pink eye can change depending on the type of bacteria. Antibiotics may be required for this type of pinkeye to kill the bacterial colony that has settled in your eye. It’s not a good idea to wait it out, as you would with viral pink eyes. The infection will only get worse over time.

You can also use home remedies to reduce the severity of symptoms.

  • Take ibuprofen or any other pain reliever available over the counter.
  • Use over-the-counter lubricating drops (artificial tears).
  • Place a warm, wet washcloth on your eyes for several minutes.
    • Make a compress by soaking a clean washcloth with warm water and wringing it out so that it is not dripping.
    • Place the damp cloth on your eyes, and let it stay there until it cools.
    • Repeat this as many times as you feel comfortable.
    • You should always use a new washcloth to avoid spreading the infection.
    • Use a separate washcloth on each eye if you have pink eye.
  • It can also be caused by close and substantial contact with bacteria or viruses. Additionally, allergies or other triggers may be to blame.
  • Contact Lenses can complicate the situation when it comes to pink eye. It is best to discuss their use with an optometrist using emergency care. In the event that your optometrist cannot be reached or if symptoms have advanced, an emergency medical doctor or a walk-in clinic can provide advice.

ALLERGIC Conjunctivitis

  • Conjunctivitis of this type is not contagious and can cause your eyes to appear red. When you have this type of conjunctivitis, your eyes will be watery rather than mucous-filled. Your eyelids can also become puffy.
  • This type of conjunctivitis is not caused by germs that are trying to settle in your body. This type of conjunctivitis is caused by the way your cells react to airborne irritants such as pollen and pet dander rather than your immune system’s defense against germs. The treatment will be different.
  • WHAT ELSE COULD YOU MISTAKE FOR A PINK EYE
  • You can also get irritation or redness in your eyes. If you’re not sure what to look out for, it could be mistaken for any of the following. Some of them are actually eye emergencies.
  • FOREIGN OBJECTS
  • The result of a foreign object lodged in the eye is typically pain, redness, and excessive tear production. The situation can quickly escalate into an emergency, as it can scratch your cornea. This can eventually blur your vision the more scratches you accumulate.
  • The eyelids are often able to detect foreign objects. These symptoms usually appear much faster than infectious pink eye.
  • If you feel an object in your eye, the best thing to do is flush it with cold water. Do this for several minutes. Do not touch your eyes too vigorously as this can further harm them. You can try to flush and blink your eyes until you get rid of it. If it persists, consider this an emergency and consult a doctor.
  • EXPOSURE TO CHEMICALS
  • You need to be cautious because your eyes could be exposed to industrial or household chemicals, whether at work or at home. To help you avoid dangers, workplaces have hazardous materials datasheets. Household cleaners display prominent warning signs. It’s possible to get dangerous chemicals in your eyes.If chemicals have come into contact with you may notice that your eyes are excessively watering or if they’re in pain.

Wearing personal protective equipment is a must whenever 

  •  using any type of chemical. Also, make sure to read the safety guidelines. When exposed to corrosive chemicals, it is recommended that you flush your eyes with cool water for several minutes. This is an eye-related emergency. Contact an optometrist who provides emergency eye care or an emergency department immediately after taking the recommended safety measures.
  • Dry Eye
  • Many factors can cause dry eye. Some people mistake the characteristic redness and discomfort, itching, and tear film balance for pink eye. The treatment for various types of pink eye and dry eye differs greatly. The dry eye that occurs quickly may be considered an emergency. Your optometrist will be able to distinguish between dry eye and pink eye.

CALL AN EYE DOCTOR IF YOU SUBSTANTIATE PINK EYE

It’s crucial to have it examined as soon as possible. You may not know if the redness or excessive tearing, or irritation is getting worse. Your optometrist will not only be able to tell you if it is pink eye. They can also advise you on whether you should rest or take medicines if you have a bacterial infection.