A 32-year-old member asked:
what's the difference between viral conjunctivitis and pink eye?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Joel Gallant answered
Infectious Disease 36 years experience
Usually the same: Most "pink eye" is caused by viral conjunctivitis, in which case they're the same. However, a bacterial conjunctivitis, though less common, could cause the same symptoms and be referred to as pink eye, and there are other conditions that can make the eye look red.
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Similar questions
A 40-year-old member asked:
How to tell if I have pink eye or something worse?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Alan Jackson answered
Addiction Medicine 30 years experience
Pink eye: Pink eye presents with discharge , redness and swelling of the eye. Many people think that if the eye is red it is pink eye - this is not true. Redness of the eye can signify something as simple as dry eyes or as severe as inflammation inside the eye. The difference is the discharge with pink eye.
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A 44-year-old member asked:
Are there any foods you should eat while having pink eye?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. James Ferguson answered
Pediatrics 46 years experience
I can't think of any: What foods would have to do with an eye infection is a bit beyond me.
5328 views
A 42-year-old member asked:
Can you get pink eye from putting cucumbers on your eye?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Jeffrey Whitman answered
Ophthalmology 45 years experience
Not typically: Unless you are allergic to cucumbers, this should not cause an infection.
5316 views
A 34-year-old member asked:
How long does pink eye live on surfaces?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Andrew Dahl answered
Ophthalmology 55 years experience
48 hours: "pink eye" is caused by a virus, which can only live inside cells. Surfaces, if dry, will have no viral replication after 48 hours.
5252 views
A 47-year-old member asked:
Whats a good over-the-counter medicine thats cheap for pink eye?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Michael Ham answered
Ophthalmology 27 years experience
Artificial tears!: There really is not an over the counter med good for pink eye. Pink eye is typically caused by a virus and any drops only help with the symptoms while the condition runs its course. You can use preservative free artificial tears as frequent as you like if the provide comfort. Cool compresses may help also. Be careful to wash your hands and not spread the pink eye to others.
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Last updated May 3, 2016
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