Eye Allergies vs. Allergic Conjunctivitis vs. Pink Eye: What’s the Difference?
There are many eye conditions affecting the human eye today with some being more common than others. Some conditions also have striking similarities and are often confused or referred to interchangeably¹. Our focus below will be on eye allergies, allergic conjunctivitis, and pink eye.
Let’s begin by defining each of these eye conditions before diving deeper into the causes, symptoms, stages, how long they last, treatment, and more!
What Is Pink Eye?
Pink eye (also known as conjunctivitis) can be defined as an eye inflammation affecting the transparent membrane (conjunctiva) lining the eyeball and eyelids².
Symptoms of Pink Eye
When the tiny blood vessels lining the membrane become irritated and swell they become more visible, causing the white part of the eye to appear pink or reddish.
Causes of Pink Eye
There are several causes of pink eye:
- Viral infection (such as adenovirus, herpes simplex virus & varicella-zoster virus)
- Bacterial infection
- Allergic reaction
- Eye irritation from a chemical splash or foreign body/substances in the eye such as makeup for example
- Blocked tear duct (common in newborn babies and toddlers)
Infections can be linked to many things, such as wearing contact lenses that haven’t been cleaned properly, direct/indirect contact from infected persons, using contact lenses over an extended period, a chemical splash (chemical conjunctivitis), foreign objects in the eye, etc.
What is Allergic Conjunctivitis?
Allergic conjunctivitis is basically pink eye (conjunctivitis) caused by an allergic reaction. The immune response is because of the body trying to protect itself from a perceived threat (allergen), resulting in the release of histamine.
Symptoms of Allergic Conjunctivitis
The histamine, which is a chemical released by the body triggers eye symptoms like³:
- Itchy eyes, red eyes and/or watery eyes
- Puffy eyelids (in the morning)
- Sensitivity to bright light
- Swollen eyelids
- Gritty feeling, burning, or eye pain
Allergic conjunctivitis is more common in areas with a high pollen count during hayfever season⁴. There are two main types:
- Acute allergic conjunctivitis which is short-term (mostly during allergy season)
- Chronic allergic conjunctivitis which is persistent (can occur anytime) and is accompanied by light sensitivity and persistent burning/itching of the eyes.
Causes of Allergic Conjunctivitis
The allergic reaction is linked to several sources the most notable being:
- Pollen
- Mold spores
- Household dust
- Animal dander
- Irritants like some contact lens solutions, some medicated eye drops, or chemical scents (in household detergents or perfumes).
What Are Eye Allergies?
Eye allergies are another term for allergic conjunctivitis. As mentioned, the eye condition is linked to allergens like mold spores, dust, and pet dander. Exposure to these eye allergy triggers produces a variety of symptoms, as discussed above. It’s worth noting that eye allergies don’t happen in isolation and are generally accompanied by other allergies like nasal allergies or respiratory infections⁵.
While there are symptoms of eye allergies or allergic conjunctivitis discussed above, the only way to confirm you are suffering from an eye allergy and not any other eye condition is to see an eye doctor (Optometrist) and have them conduct a comprehensive eye exam.
Eye Allergies Vs. Allergic Conjunctivitis Vs. Pink Eye
We can compare allergic conjunctivitis (eye allergy) and pink eye in many ways. However, let’s focus on the stages, how long the eye condition lasts, and the treatment.
Stage Comparison
Stages Of Pink Eye
Pink eye or conjunctivitis doesn’t have specifically defined stages. The eye condition can develop slowly (over weeks) or rapidly (1-3 days) depending on underlying causes and access to treatment.
For instance, pink eye linked to a viral infection (viral conjunctivitis) tends to have symptoms that worsen within a few days before improving gradually. Pink eye linked to a bacterial infection, on the other hand, tends to improve within a few days (with treatment). The condition will worsen and persist without treatment.
Stages of Allergic Conjunctivitis and Eye Allergies
Eye allergy (or allergic conjunctivitis caused by allergens) also lacks specific stages with symptoms dependent on exposure to allergens and individual sensitivity. The type of condition will also dictate stage/severity.
For instance, seasonal or acute allergic conjunctivitis is more rapid and severe in spring and summer when exposure to airborne allergens is highest. Chronic allergic conjunctivitis can be severe at any time of the year if the underlying allergen is present, such as indoor allergens like animal dander.
Timeline Comparison
How Long Does Pink Eye Usually Last?
Pink eye will last depending on factors and the cause of the underlying infection. Pink eye linked to a mild bacterial infection will typically last 2 to 5 days without treatment but it can last longer (up to 14 days or two weeks). If antibiotics are administered, they shorten the healing period to a few days.
For viral conjunctivitis (pink eye caused by a viral infection), the condition usually goes away without treatment. The symptoms can worsen the first 3 to 5 days, but you should be better and fully recovered in 7 to 21 days⁶. We highly recommend seeking advice and treatment from an Optometrist.
How Long Does Allergic Conjunctivitis Last? How Long Do Eye Allergies Last?
Allergic conjunctivitis during the pollen season may persist throughout the season and vary in severity based on exposure levels; continued exposure will result in prolonged symptoms. However, if there’s no exposure to the allergen and/or treatment is administered, symptoms may disappear within days to weeks⁷.
Treatment Comparison: When to See an Eye Doctor (Optometrist)?
While some eye conditions such as pink eye caused by a virus can heal on their own, it is highly recommended to see an Optometrist just to confirm the underlying cause. Eye conditions like pink eye can quickly degenerate and expose your eyes to serious risks including corneal damage and vision loss⁸.
After seeking treatment, you should get eye drops to deal with the symptoms of the eye condition you have. Here are some recommendations depending on your condition.
Best Eye Drops for Pink Eye
According to the AAO (American Academy of Ophthalmology), eye drops can treat conjunctivitis⁹. Antibiotic eye drops are effective for treating bacterial conjunctivitis. Artificial tears are also great at lubricating the eyes and easing symptoms.
Examples of antibiotic eye drops that reduce pink eye infection include: polymyxin b/trimethoprim, ofloxacin (Ocuflox), ciprofloxacin (Ciloxan), and bacitracin/polymyxin B (Polysporin)¹⁰.
Important: If you reside in the Greater Toronto Area, we suggest you go for an eye exam at Kodak Lens Vision Centres to get the right diagnosis and prescription eye drops that will work best for pink eye.
Best Eye Drops for Allergic Conjunctivitis And Best Allergy Eye Drops
Many OTC eye drops for eye allergies contain the same ingredients used for treating nasal allergies, meaning antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers for stopping the body from releasing “itch-causing” chemicals. They also contain decongestants that shrink the blood vessels in the eyes, easing symptoms like eye redness. The best eye drops for allergic conjunctivitis also contain artificial tears or tear substitutes for rinsing away allergens and keeping the eyes moist¹¹.
Steroid eye drops (corticosteroids) are known to effectively treat chronic eye allergy symptoms like swelling, itching, and redness. However, you should never self-prescribe any form of eye drops for any eye condition¹². Please visit your local Optometrist.
Wrapping Up
Eye allergies and pink eye are common eye conditions that affect many people. We’ve discussed the main forms of conjunctivitis, symptoms, causes, and treatment above which could give you a good idea of what these conditions entail. However, people with eye allergies and related conditions should seek a professional diagnosis and treatment to avoid risks like worsening symptoms or spreading the infection from person to person.
Book an eye allergy consultation with one of our optometrists to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment (medical eye drop prescription including topical medication or oral antihistamines). You’ll also learn important and simple remedies like proper and frequent hand washing, using cold compresses, and other ways to get relief for allergies at home.
Getting the right eyeglasses for outdoor use can also help to keep pollen away from your eyes and conditions like allergic conjunctivitis. Ask us to learn more.
FAQs
1. Allergic Conjunctivitis, Is It Contagious?
No. While the condition causes discomfort and aggravation, it isn’t contagious and primarily gotten through exposure to allergens mentioned above.
1. Allergic Conjunctivitis, Is It Contagious?
No. While the condition causes discomfort and aggravation, it isn’t contagious and primarily gotten through exposure to allergens mentioned above.
2. Why Do I Keep Getting Pink Eye?
You may be constantly exposed to the viruses, bacteria, or irritants that commonly cause the condition.
3. Why Do I Keep Getting Conjunctivitis?
If you keep getting common types of conjunctivitis, you are constantly exposed to allergens i.e. dust that cause the condition.
4. Can Allergies Cause Pink Eye?
Yes! Allergy-causing substances like pollen can dilate blood vessels in the membrane covering the eyes (conjunctiva) and cause redness (allergic conjunctivitis) accompanied by other symptoms i.e. tearing and itching.
References
- 2024, Eye Conditions & Diseases, nei.nih.gov:
- 2024, Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis, mayoclinic.org:
- 2022, Allergic Conjunctivitis, healthline.com:
- 2024, Allergy Facts, aafa.org
- 2023, Tips to Tackle Eye Allergies, webmd.com:
- 2024, Pink Eye: What to Know, webmd.com:
- 2024, How Long Allergic Conjunctivitis Takes, medicinenet.com:
- 2023, Can Pink Eye Be Fatal? Healthline.com:
- 2023, Home Remedy for Pink Eye, aao.org:
- 2024, Eye Drops for Pink Eye, medicalnewstoday.com:
- 2023, Tackle Eye Allergies, webmd.com:
- What Are EYe Allergies? aao.org: