Pink Eye vs Eye Allergies: How to Spot the Difference

What is Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is a condition that occurs when the tissue lining the inside surface of your eyelid and outer coating of your eye becomes inflamed². The blood vessels here can become more visible as they inflame, which is what results in that tell-tale redness or pink color⁴.

Conjunctivitis is very common in children and adults – with between three and six million cases in the US every year². One or both eyes may be affected by conjunctivitis, and whether it’s infectious or not depends on the underlying cause.

There are various types of conjunctivitis, but the three main kinds are³:

• Bacterial conjunctivitis – different types of bacteria, often from your skin or breathing system, or someone else’s, can cause an infection that results in this. It is contagious, and may occur alongside strep throat and other symptoms
• Viral conjunctivitis – this is the most common type, and highly contagious. Viruses behind the common cold, a runny nose and sore throat are often the cause, leading to burning red eyes
• Allergic conjunctivitis – people with seasonal or other allergies who are exposed to an allergen – such as pollen, pet dander or dust – can experience a reaction in their eyes. It can cause your eyes to become red, itchy, watery, and puffy. Allergic conjunctivitis is not infectious

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) Causes and Symptoms⁴

Pink eye is the common name for conjunctivitis, and usually results from touching a contaminated surface, person or developing another illness – such as sinus and ear infections. When your eye is exposed to bacteria this way, it can lead to various pink eye symptoms.

What Causes Pink Eye?

Your eye(s) react after being exposure to bacteria, as the conjunctiva (membrane lining your eyelid) gets infected and inflames⁴.

Some common bacteria that can cause pink eye include²:

• Staphylococcus aureus
• Haemophilus influenzae
• Streptococcus pneumonia
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Can Allergies Cause Pink Eye?

Allergic conjunctivitis is a type of pink eye that comes from an allergic reaction³. Allergic conjunctivitis, however, is not contagious and can be treated by taking antihistamines, such as ZYRTEC®. Check out our guide to learn more about how allergies can cause pink eye.

Pink Eye Symptoms

If you experience pink eye through bacterial or viral conjunctivitis, it can affect one or both of your eyes. Some of the main pink eye symptoms can include⁴:

• Redness
• Itchy eyes
• Gritty feeling in your eye(s)
• Discharge that forms a crust overnight
• Increased tear production

Eye Allergies (Allergic Conjunctivitis) Causes and Symptoms

Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by exposure to allergens⁵. The membrane covering your eyeball swells and becomes irritated due to the presence of a substance that triggers an allergic reaction⁵. Your body produces histamines to fight off the allergens, which can result in inflammation⁶.

What Causes Allergic Conjunctivitis?

Eyes are exposed to the air and very sensitive, which can make them an easy target for allergens⁶. The presence of an allergen in one or both eyes can trigger the immune system to produce histamines to flush them out. This can encourage inflammation and cause itchy, red eyes.

Some of the main allergens that can cause allergic conjunctivitis include⁵:

• Pollen – grass, tree and weed especially
• Pet dander – dead skin and fur
• Smoke and air pollution
• Cosmetics, make-up, and perfume
• Certain types of medication

Allergic Conjunctivitis Symptoms

Many symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis can be the same as bacterial or viral conjunctivitis – including red, itchy eyes and a gritty feeling. As well as these there are a few symptoms more commonly associated with allergies rather than pink eye, including⁶:

• Swollen eyelids
• Watery eyes
• Eye pain
• Burning sensation

You might also experience other symptoms related to your allergies alongside those affecting your eyes, such as⁶:

• A runny, itchy nose
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Sinus headache

Is Allergic Conjunctivitis Contagious?

No, allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious, so there’s no risk of you passing it on to anyone else. It’s one of the main differences with bacterial and viral conjunctivitis, which can both be spread easily.

Eye Allergies vs Pink Eye Quiz

Unsure if allergies or pink eye are causing the redness in your eyes? Take this quick quiz to see which be the cause, so you can get the right relief.

Are both eyes red?

Yes

Allergies usually affect both eyes at the same time, following exposure to an allergen.

No

Pink eye often occurs in just the left or right eye to begin with — though it can spread to both.

Do your eyes feel itchy?

Yes

Itchiness and a gritty feeling in your eyes are common symptoms of allergies.

No

Bacterial conjunctivitis is less likely to cause itchy eyes.

Do you have swollen, puffy eyelids?

Yes

An allergic reaction can cause your eyelids to swell up, making them look and feel puffy.

No

If your eyelids or lashes feel sticky but aren’t swollen, it’s more likely to be pink eye.

Is your nose running?

Yes

A runny nose is a common symptom of allergies, especially combined with red eyes.

No

If your nose isn’t running, then bacteria or a virus are more likely the cause of pink eye.

Are you sneezing or have a sore throat?

Yes

Sneezing and a sore throat, alongside redness in your eyes, are typical signs of allergic reactions.

No

Without common allergy symptoms, it is more likely to be bacterial or viral pink eye.

What to do if you think you have allergies?

Visit your doctor for a professional diagnosis and treatment options. You can also find powerful allergy relief with the ZYRTEC® family of products. If hay fever is your allergy, download the ZYRTEC® AllergyCast® app* for a daily pollen forecast and track your allergy symptoms.

*Standard data rates for your plan apply.

How to Treat Your Eye Allergies or Pink Eye Symptoms

The right pink eye treatment or eye allergy treatment can vary depending on the underlying cause and your symptoms.

Viral conjunctivitis, or viral pink eye, can resolve itself in a few days or up to two weeks². Typical bacterial pink eye treatments may include a prescription for antibiotics. These can be eye drops, ointment, or pills².

A common eye allergy treatment, meanwhile, is to take over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines, which may also be in the form of eye drops or pills⁴. Other medication that helps control inflammation may also be prescribed by a doctor, such as⁴:

• Decongestants
• Steroids
• Anti-inflammatory drops

See your doctor for a professional diagnosis and prescription for the right medication.

How ZYRTEC® Can Relieve Eye Allergies

ZYRTEC® products are OTC medicines containing the antihistamine cetirizine hydrochloride (HCL). This helps fight off the histamines produced when you have an allergic reaction, providing relief from your allergic conjunctivitis symptoms.

The main ZYRTEC® products you can use to try and relieve your eye allergy symptoms are:

• ZYRTEC® tablets – treat indoor and outdoor allergy symptoms for 24 hours with each tablet
• ZYRTEC® liquid gels – fast-acting liquid gel that relieves allergy symptoms
• ZYRTEC®-D tablets – proven allergy relief combined with a decongestant

Tips on How to Relieve and Prevent Pink Eye at Home

If you experience pink eye symptoms not caused by allergies, you should first seek a professional medical diagnosis. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or antiviral medication to help relieve your symptoms. Please remember that ZYRTEC® products are not designed to treat pink eye caused by a viral or bacterial infection.

A few simple measures to help relieve and prevent pink eye at home include⁴:

• Cleaning your eyelids with a wet cloth
• Refraining from wearing contact lenses until treatment is complete
• Avoiding rubbing or touching your eyes
• Applying a cold or warm compresses every day⁷

How did I get Pink Eye Overnight?

Pink eye can develop overnight through the spread of a bacterial or viral infection as you sleep. This may be caused by a surface or individual you came into contact with the previous day. Symptoms such as eye discharge can cause crusting overnight, which may result in common signs of pink eye.

Do You Feel Sick with Pink Eye?

That depends on the cause of your pink eye, but feeling sick is not normally an associated symptom. If you’re experiencing a viral illness like a common cold or flu, you may also feel nauseous. In this case, you should see a doctor for a professional diagnosis.