When your eyes become red, itchy, and watery, it can be difficult to know whether you’re dealing with pink eye (conjunctivitis) or just seasonal allergies. Because these conditions share similar symptoms, understanding the key differences can help you decide when it’s time to seek professional care.

What Is Pink Eye?

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is the inflammation of the thin membrane covering the white part of your eye and inner eyelid. It can be caused by:

• Viral infections (most common)

• Bacterial infections

• Allergic reactions

• Irritants such as smoke, chlorine, or dust

Symptoms of pink eye often include:

• Redness in one or both eyes

• Thick discharge that may be yellow or green (especially with bacterial cases)

• Crusting around the eyelids upon waking

• Swelling and discomfort

• Contagious spread, particularly with viral and bacterial forms

What Are Eye Allergies?

Eye allergies, also called allergic conjunctivitis, occur when your immune system reacts to allergens like pollen, pet dander, or dust mites. Symptoms usually include:

• Itchy eyes (a hallmark symptom not as common with pink eye)

• Watery or clear discharge

• Puffy eyelids

• Sneezing, nasal congestion, or runny nose accompanying eye symptoms

• Both eyes affected at the same time

Unlike infectious pink eye, allergies are not contagious. They may flare up during specific seasons or when you’re exposed to allergens.

Key Differences to Watch For

• Type of Discharge: Thick and colored (pink eye) vs. clear and watery (allergies).

• Itching: Intense itching suggests allergies, while pink eye often feels more like burning or irritation.

• Onset & Spread: Allergies usually affect both eyes simultaneously. Pink eye often starts in one eye before spreading.

• Contagiousness: Pink eye caused by bacteria or viruses can spread easily, while allergies cannot.

When to See an Optometrist

Because pink eye and allergies can overlap in symptoms, it’s important not to self-diagnose. Seek professional care if you notice:

• Eye pain or light sensitivity

• Vision changes

• A thick or colored discharge

• Symptoms that don’t improve with over-the-counter allergy drops

• Suspected exposure to someone with pink eye

Our optometrist can determine the cause and recommend proper treatment, whether that’s antibiotic drops for bacterial conjunctivitis or management strategies for allergies.

Protect Your Eye Health with Dr. Stephen Nevett and Associates

Red, watery eyes can be uncomfortable and disruptive, but the right diagnosis makes all the difference. Understanding whether your symptoms are caused by pink eye or allergies helps ensure you get the correct treatment quickly and safely.

If you’re experiencing red, itchy, or irritated eyes and aren’t sure if it’s pink eye or allergies, schedule a consultation with Dr. Stephen Nevett and Associates for personalized treatment. Visit our office in Lynnwood, Washington, or call (425) 712-8443 to book an appointment.