You wake up, look in the mirror, and see a red, irritated eye looking back at you. Your first thought is likely pink eye. But while pink eye is a common and familiar condition, the redness and itchiness that it causes might be your eye’s way of telling you something else is going on.
Several conditions share symptoms with pink eye, so an accurate diagnosis often means visiting your eye doctor. Our teams at Bonavista Eyecare, Olds Eyecare, Carstairs Eyecare and Sundre Eyecare can diagnose your eye condition, identify the cause of your discomfort, and help you find the right path to relief.
What Are the Common Signs of Pink Eye?
Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, happens when the thin, clear membrane over the white part of your eye gets inflamed. This is why the eye takes on a pink or reddish colour. However, while pink eye is a frequent cause of eye irritation, its symptoms can also be signs of other issues.
Noticeable Symptoms
If you have conjunctivitis, you might experience:
- A pink or reddish colour in the white of the eye
- A gritty feeling, like sand is in your eye
- Excessive tearing or watering
- Discharge that can be clear, yellow, or green
- Itchiness or a mild burn
Eye Conditions Often Confused With Pink Eye
Several other eye conditions have symptoms that overlap with pink eye. This can make it difficult to figure out what’s causing your discomfort on your own. Below are a few common conditions that can look like conjunctivitis.
Allergies
If your eyes get red and itchy after you pet an animal or spend time outside, you might be dealing with eye allergies. An allergic reaction in your eyes can cause:
- Intense itchiness and tearing
- Sensitivity to light
- A gritty or burning sensation
- Swollen eyelids
- Redness
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is an inflammation of your eyelids, not the eyeball itself, but it can cause similar irritation. You might notice:
- Red and itchy eyelids
- A feeling that something is in your eye
- Sensitivity to light
- Foamy tears
- Crusty debris around your eyelashes
Dry Eye Syndrome
Sometimes, your eyes just don’t produce enough quality tears to stay lubricated. This is called dry eye, and it can lead to:
- Redness
- Blurry vision that comes and goes
- Light sensitivity
- A stinging or burning feeling
- Watery eyes as your body tries to compensate
Why a Proper Diagnosis for Eye Irritation Matters
When your eyes are red and uncomfortable, you want relief as quickly as possible. Getting a clear answer about the cause of your discomfort is important, as different conditions need different treatments. A professional diagnosis helps you avoid guessing games.
The Limits of Self-Diagnosis
Because so many conditions share symptoms—from redness to a gritty feeling—it’s tough to know what’s behind your discomfort without a comprehensive eye exam. An incorrect guess might delay the care you need to feel comfortable again.
What to Know About Conjunctivitis
While many symptoms can be mistaken for pink eye, conjunctivitis is a real condition that often needs attention. It’s typically caused by a bacterial or viral infection, and it can spread easily from person to person. Knowing for sure helps protect you and your family.
When to See an Eye Doctor
If you notice pink or red eyes or any kind of discharge, it’s a good idea to seek professional care. A proper diagnosis can provide peace of mind and is often the first step toward a comfortable recovery.
Get the Right Diagnosis & Treatment
As your eye doctor, we have the information and diagnostic technology to determine the cause of your eye inflammation. Our team takes the time to get to know you, answer your questions, and provide detailed information about your eye health.
Alberta Health Care may cover medically necessary or urgent eye exams, so you can get the care you need when you need it.
Your Local Eye Doctor in Calgary & Beyond
In addition to our Calgary location, you can visit our eye doctors in Olds, Sundre, or Carstairs. All of our locations offer the same personal and unrushed experience.
There’s no need to guess about your eye health. For a thorough and personal examination, schedule a visit with our teams at Bonavista Eyecare, Olds Eyecare, Sundre Eyecare and Olds Eyecare. We can help you get the answers you need for clear and comfortable vision.
