Is it a Red Eye or a Pink Eye?

• Posted on: Dec 30 2012
• By: editor

One of our most popular phone calls to the office is “I think I have an eye infection, my eye is really red!”. What most people don’t know is … RED DOESN’T ALWAYS MEAN INFECTION! There’s a difference between bloodshot irritation and a shade of pink that leans more towards infection or conjunctivitis.  Eyes can become red due to many factors that are involved in your every day life. Your environment and/or lifestyle can affect how red, tired, or sore your eyes may be. A red eye could easily be relieved by use of artificial tears or lubricating eye drops.

Before you jump to the thought of infection, consider that these factors may be what’s contributing to your RED eyes:

Environment                                                                       Common Irritants
– Sun                                                                                             – Dust
– Wind                                                                                          – Shampoo
– A/C or heating                                                                       – Dusty/ smoky air pollutans
– Computer use                                                                          – Eyelashes
– Chlorine                                                                                    – Alchohol Consumption

Pink eye or infective conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva (mucous membrane that covers the front of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids). This can either be bacterial or viral and can be very contagious! Another form of pink eye is formed from allergies … when the conjunctiva is inflammed due to an allergen such as environmental substances like hayfever or perenial substances such as dust mites and dander.

Consider these factors when thinking Pink VS. Allergies:

Pink Eye                                                                               Allergies
– One eye (if both, did it originate in one)                           – Both Eyes
– Sticking                                                                                    – Itching
– Eyes Sore                                                                                 – Burning
– Eyelids Swollen                                                                      – Yearly timing

There are many more conditions such as Blepharitis, Styes, and even the dangerous Herpetic eye infection.   Therefore, before jumping to any conclusions, see your eye care professionals first, and trust that here at Dr. Magalhaes and Associates, your eyes are in great hands! Call at the first sign of a red or pink eye and get the professional opinion you deserve  508-717-0425!

Posted in: Blog