Question 1

pink eye or allergies, how can i tell the difference?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes difficult: This is sometimes difficult even for experts.  Generally allergies have more itching than pink eye and occur in people have allergic symptoms such as coughing, sneezing and so forth.  You can try over-the-counter antihistamine drops such as zaditor (ketotifen).  If this does not help, see an ophthalmologist.

Question 2

what is the difference between allergies and pink eye?

Accepted Answer

Both eyes vs 1 eye: Not a hard fast rule but usually allergies affect both eyes at the same time and is intensely itchy. Viral or bacterial conjunctivitis usually affects one eye first and not that itchy. An infected eye also may produce mucous or pus like secretions.

Question 3

can you tell me the difference between the symptoms of pink eye and those of eye allergies?

Accepted Answer

Itchy: Can't always tell the difference based on symptoms, but sometimes pink eye starts in one eye first and then spreads to the other eye.  Both are usually red and watery, but infections can cause more of a purulent discharge.  Allergies usually have more of a itching component and can have other seasonal allergy symptoms outside of the eye.

Question 4

pink eye or cold and allergy eye symptoms - what are the differences?

Accepted Answer

Red eye: Pink eye is usually due to a bacterial infection, the lids get mattery, crusty, and  stuck shut.
Allergies make the surface of the eye red and  produce a clear watery discharge, and is usually associated with some itching, and if you rub the eye you can get it secondarily infected and end up with a pink eye condition in addition.  A cold is associated with a clear discharge and it can be infected.

Question 5

could i tell the difference between pink eye, irritated eye, and allergy eye?

Accepted Answer

Not really: Those 3 are very similar when it comes to symptoms, however on an eye exam, they are very different. Usually the primary care doctors give anti allergy drops for all 3 and if it doesn't work them they send it to an eye doctor. However, keep in mind that pink eye is contagious, so you want to get an accurate diagnosis.

Question 6

how can you tell the difference between viral pink eye, bacterial pink eye, and allergies?

Accepted Answer

Some differences: Generally viral pink eye typically produces redness, watery eyes and doesn't need treatment except for herpes. Bacterial pink eye causes redness & purulent discharge (puss), often "matting the lids/lashes together" in the AM or after a long nap -- needs antibiotic drops. Allergies almost always involve both eyes with redness, some watering, & can be quite itchy. Consult doc if you have it.

Question 7

my right eye is watery and swollen. it feels scratchy like it has sand in it. could this be pink eye or just allergies which i also currently have?

Accepted Answer

Infection likely: Although allergy can cause the symptoms you describe, they usually are present in both eyes. The feeling of sandiness is more likely associated with infection rather than allergy.

Question 8

my 8 month old daughter has green snot coming from both eyes. teacher says its not pink eye and yo look up home remedies.any advice? allergies maybe?

Accepted Answer

Conjunctivitis?: It is unlikely a teacher is qualified to diagnose conjunctivitis (pink eye). Not all cases actually have the redness behind the name pink eye -- the presence of green material in her eyes is just as important. Take her to the pediatrician, and in the meantime keep her out of day care or other contact with children outside the family. Good luck!

Question 9

my 2 year old eyes are red,i don't think it's a pink eye because it doesn't have crust on it just red and itchy...she has allergies?

Accepted Answer

Itchy Allergic: The itchiness you describe and bilateral ( two sided) nature, as well as the time of year certainly would be associated with allergic cause.  She is old enough for claritin (loratadine) 5 mg reditab as a trial medicine.  If she's not better within the week, I'd have her looked at by her pediatrician or we are happy to consult here on prime!

Question 10

i am wondering how i can tell if my sons have pink eye or if it's just allergy-related. my 4-year old has had green/yellow yucky stuff building up in corner of eye since saturday.  on sunday, his eye was a little swollen, a little pink, and he was pink ar

Accepted Answer

Hello. : Hello. It sounds as if your son's eye is red and he has colored drainage. Now a second child has symptoms. This sounds more like an infection than common allergies.

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Doctor answers about:

Pink eye vs allergy

A member asked:

Pink eye or allergies, how can i tell the difference?

A member asked:

What is the difference between allergies and pink eye?

A member asked:

Can you tell me the difference between the symptoms of pink eye and those of eye allergies?

A member asked:

Pink eye or cold and allergy eye symptoms - what are the differences?

A member asked:

Could i tell the difference between pink eye, irritated eye, and allergy eye?

A member asked:

How can you tell the difference between viral pink eye, bacterial pink eye, and allergies?

A member asked:

My right eye is watery and swollen. it feels scratchy like it has sand in it. could this be pink eye or just allergies which i also currently have?

A member asked:

My 8 month old daughter has green snot coming from both eyes. teacher says its not pink eye and yo look up home remedies.any advice? allergies maybe?

A member asked:

My 2 year old eyes are red,i don't think it's a pink eye because it doesn't have crust on it just red and itchy...she has allergies?

A member asked:

I am wondering how i can tell if my sons have pink eye or if it's just allergy-related. my 4-year old has had green/yellow yucky stuff building up in corner of eye since saturday. on sunday, his eye was a little swollen, a little pink, and he was pink ar

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