Inflammation and irritation of the eye, known as conjunctivitis, is a fairly common issue. While this optical health problem can usually be treated fairly easily, the right type of treatment can vary depending on the cause of the condition. Pink eye, for instance, is caused by a highly contagious viral or bacterial infection. Allergic conjunctivitis, on the other hand, is triggered by an immune sensitivity to certain allergens, such as pollen or dust. If your eye care is affected by irritation, here are a few ways you can tell infection apart from allergies.

5 Ways to Tell If You Have Pink Eye or Allergies

1. Symptom Patterns

Allergic conjunctivitis will often flare-up soon after exposure to allergens—such as when you go outdoors in the spring season. Symptoms may fade away when you’re removed from the environment. You might also notice that your optical symptoms occur alongside allergy signs, including congestion, sinus pressure, and sneezing. In contrast, irritation related to infection will generally persist no matter where you are and may not occur with other symptoms.

2. Itchiness

Persistent itchiness is almost always a sign of allergic conjunctivitis. This symptom occurs due to the immune system’s release of histamine—a natural chemical that expands blood vessels in the eyes and causes them to redden, swell, and itch.

3. Both Eyes 

If both eyes become irritated at the same time, the response is likely due to allergies. Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis tend to occur in one eye, although the infection can spread to both from unhygienic touching.

4. Crusting & Discharge

While individuals with allergies may have watery eyes, they won’t usually produce any other discharge. Those with bacterial conjunctivitis, however, will often produce a yellow-green discharge as a result of the infection. Without proper cleaning and eye care, this discharge can crust over, making it difficult for people to open their eyelids.

5. Antihistamine Relief

If you suspect your symptoms are linked to allergies, try using an antihistamine eye care product like drops. These products will typically relieve allergic conjunctivitis symptoms but not treat cases related to bacterial or viral infection. To alleviate bacterial cases, you’ll need to use a prescribed antibiotic. Viral cases will need to run their course before they disappear.

When you can’t determine what’s behind your irritation, turn to the eye care professionals at Sonoran Desert Eye Center. This Chandler, AZ, optometrist is well-versed in optical health problems and will use advanced diagnostic tools to pinpoint the source of your symptoms—including dryness, itchiness, swelling, and redness. Whether your symptoms are due to allergies, an infection, or another issue, this provider can prescribe solutions to help you find relief—including medicated drops, antibiotics, glasses, and contact lenses. To learn more about these services, visit this Maricopa County vision care center online. If you’d like to schedule a convenient eye exam, call (480) 812-2211.