5 Pink Eye Symptoms You Should Be Aware Of

Pink eye is an infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva, the transparent tissue that covers the inside surface of your eyelid and the outer membrane of your eyeball. When little blood vessels in the conjunctiva become inflamed, they’re also getting more visible. This results in the whites of your eyes looking red or pink. Pink eye typically occurs due to viruses and allergic reactions and is among the most common eye infections in both children and adults. More than 3 million cases of pink eyes occur in America annually. 

Below are the most common symptoms of pink eye that you should be aware of. 

1. Your eye is red or pink

As the name implies, the pink eye typically appears as pink or red in the eye. It most often results from a bacterial or viral infection that spreads just like the common cold. However, other kinds of pink eye aren’t contagious, and they may be caused by allergies, exposure to chemicals and irritants, or dry eye. These include:

- In the case of allergy-caused pink eyes, besides red eyes, you may also experience other symptoms including runny nose and sneezing. In allergic pink eyes, these symptoms are typically present in both eyes. Remember to wash your hands after touching your eyes to prevent the spread of infection.

- Pink eye caused by exposure to chemicals is called toxic pink eye and may occur due to getting liquids, smoke, fumes, or chemicals in the eye. The common symptoms of toxic pink eye include severe swelling and pain, redness, and low vision. Flashing your eyes with running water is necessary to wash out the toxic chemicals or liquids.  

- Pink eye caused by dry eye often leads to increased tear production and typically doesn’t require any treatment. However, if it’s continuous, severe, or recurring, you should schedule an appointment with an eye doctor. 

2. Your eye is leaking fluid

Viral pink eye usually causes white or clear discharge from your eyes, while bacterial pink eye typically causes pus-like or yellowish discharge. In the case of viral pink eye, avoid using antibiotic drops, as they won’t help. Instead, try applying warm and cool compresses to your eye to minimize inflammation until the problem subsides on its own. Pink eye resulting from bacteria typically clears up by itself within several weeks, but you may benefit from antibiotic eye drops if your symptoms worsen. 

3. Your eye feels crusty

With bacterial pink eye, your body stimulates the production of mucus and pus to help fight off the bacteria. That mucus may form a film over the affected eye and distort your vision for a short period. When you keep your eyes shut while sleeping, this mucus may dry out and form a crust along each of your eyelashes. Avoid tugging at your encrusted eyelashes because you can unintentionally pull them out and create a window for more bacteria to enter your eye. Try using a damp piece of cloth to soften the crusty mucus and carefully wipe it away.  

4. Your eyes are more irritated than normal during allergy season

If you’re allergic to certain things, and experience severe irritation, redness, itching, or tearing in your eyes, it may be a sign of an allergy-caused pink eye. This type of pink eye isn’t contagious or infectious and can be cured with allergy eye drops or oral allergy drugs. 

5. Your cold is affecting your eyes

If you’ve just come down with an upper respiratory tract infection and experience irritation in your eyes, it may be one of the symptoms of pink eye. The virus may spread to your eyes after you’ve coughed and then touched your face or eyes without washing your hands.