Are Pink Eye and Dry Eye The Same Thing?
Pink eye and dry eye are two common eye conditions that people often confuse. While they share some similarities, they are distinct conditions caused by different factors.
Understanding the distinctions can help you identify which condition you may have if you’re experiencing eye irritation or redness. Keep reading to learn more about pink eye and dry eye, including what makes them different from each other!
What is Pink Eye?
Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is the inflammation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is a thin, transparent membrane that protects your eye.
It covers the white of your eye, as well as the inside of your eyelid. Pink eye is most often caused by a viral infection.
Specifically, it is typically caused by the adenovirus. However, it can also be caused by other viruses.
Pink eye can also result from bacteria, allergens, chemicals, or foreign objects in the eye. Viral and bacterial pink eye is very contagious, so it is essential to know if you have it.
Be sure to change and clean your contacts as recommended. Poorly maintained contact lenses are a common way of contracting pink eye.
What Are the Symptoms of Pink Eye?
The most apparent symptom of pink eye is the affected eye becoming pink or red in color. This is caused by tiny blood vessels in the eye becoming swollen and irritated.
The inflammation can also cause itchiness and discomfort in some cases. You may notice a gritty sensation in either eye or both.
Your eyes may create a discharge while you sleep, crusting over and sealing your eyes shut temporarily in the morning. You might also experience sensitivity to light and excessive tears.
How is Pink Eye Treated?
Pink eye does not usually affect your vision permanently. However, it’s essential to treat many types of pink eye to help prevent the spread of the condition to other people and to decrease your symptoms.
If you’re diagnosed with a type of pink eye that’s not contagious, your eye doctor may recommend trying some symptom relief strategies. Symptom relief strategies can include using artificial tears, cleaning your eyes with a clean, wet cloth, and applying warm compresses on your eyes a few times a day while symptoms last.
If you are diagnosed with viral or bacterial pink eye, your eye doctor will likely prescribe antibiotic eye drops for you to use continuously. While you have pink eye, you should also stop using contacts.
Furthermore, you should discard any soft contacts that you have already worn while infected. Hard lenses will need to be disinfected overnight.
You may want to consider getting new contact lens accessories as well to prevent reinfection. Eye makeup should also be replaced.
What is Dry Eye?
Dry eye is an eye condition that is caused by a lack of good-quality tears. Tears hydrate the eyes and provide vital nutrients.
They also create a protective layer that acts as a barrier. Tear quality refers to the makeup of the tears.
Tears are supposed to include three primary ingredients. The first is water, which hydrates the eye.
The second is mucus, which helps the tear stick to the eye. Finally, oil coats the tear, which prevents the tear from evaporating.
Typically, poor-quality tears are missing oil. This can occur when the oil-producing glands in your eyelids become blocked.
What Are the Symptoms of Dry Eye?
Like pink eye, dry eye causes your eyes to become red and irritated. Dry eye also commonly causes itchiness, a gritty sensation, a sticky mucus discharge, light sensitivity, and excessive tears.
The main differences between dry eye and pink eye are what is causing them and how long they last. Pink eye is a temporary affliction caused by infection, while dry eye can be chronic and may be due to several factors.
How is Dry Eye Treated?
Treating chronic dry eye is possible. The key is to find out exactly what is causing the issue.
There are many different treatments available for dry eye that can help improve the condition and reduce symptoms. The best treatment for each person will vary depending on what is causing the condition.
Regardless of the cause, your eye doctor will likely recommend increasing your use of artificial tears and use warm compresses. The best way to treat dry eye is with the help of a trained eye doctor.
Your eye doctor at Eye Associates of Tallahassee in Tallahassee, Florida, can help determine the best dry eye treatment for you.
Can I Have Pink Eye and Dry Eye at the Same Time?
Pink eye and dry eye are caused by separate issues. However, it is possible to have both eye conditions at the same time.
If you are experiencing symptoms related to both dry eye and pink eye, it is essential that you visit your eye doctor at Eye Associates of Tallahasse for a full evaluation. At this visit, they will check your eyes and determine the best method of treatment for you.
