Pink eye or allergies? How to tell the difference and find relief.

Is it pink eye or just allergies? Recognizing the symptoms.

When your eyes are irritated, it can be hard to tell what’s behind the discomfort. Both pink eye (conjunctivitis) and allergies can cause redness, tearing and itchiness. But some key clues can help you figure out what’s really going on.

Common symptoms of pink eye.

• Red or pink color in one or both eyes
• Gritty or burning feeling
• Watery or thick, goopy discharge (especially in the morning)
• Crusty eyelids that may stick together
• Often starts in one eye and spreads to the other
• May be accompanied by cold symptoms or recent illness

Common symptoms of allergies.

• Red, itchy eyes (usually both eyes at once)
• Clear, watery discharge
• Sneezing, nasal congestion, or postnasal drip
• Puffy eyelids, especially in the morning
• Happens seasonally or after exposure to allergens (like pollen, dust, or pet dander)
• No fever or signs of infection

If you wake up with one eye glued shut and your child just had a cold, it’s probably pink eye. If your eyes go haywire every time you mow the lawn? It’s likely your allergies.

 

Key differences between pink eye and allergic reactions.

While the symptoms may overlap, there are some important ways to tell pink eye and allergies apart, especially regarding what causes them, how contagious they are and how they progress over time.

What causes each condition?

• A virus, bacteria, or irritants (like smoke or chlorine) can cause pink eye.
• Allergens like pollen, pet dander, mold, or dust mites trigger allergic conjunctivitis.

Contagious or not?

• Viral and bacterial pink eye are highly contagious. You can catch it from touching infected surfaces or through close contact.
• Allergy-related eye irritation is not contagious, so you can’t spread it to others.

How it starts.

• Pink eye often develops quickly. It sometimes starts in just one eye before spreading to the other.
• Allergies tend to come on gradually, often hitting both eyes at once and worsening with ongoing exposure to allergens.

Still unsure? If symptoms persist, worsen, or come with fever or pain, it’s a good idea to visit a provider at CityMD for a proper diagnosis.
 

Effective treatments for pink eye and allergy-induced eye irritation.

Once you’ve figured out what’s causing your eye discomfort, you can start focusing on the right treatment and avoid wasting time (or meds) on something that won’t help.

How to treat pink eye.

Treatment depends on the cause:

Viral pink eye.

• Usually clears up on its own in 7-10 days
• Apply cool compresses to relieve discomfort
• Practice good hygiene to avoid spreading it (wash hands often, don’t share towels)

Bacterial pink eye.

• May require antibiotic eye drops or ointment (only if diagnosed by a provider)
• Avoid contact lenses until it’s fully healed

Irritant-related pink eye.

• Rinse eyes gently with clean water or saline
• Avoid the source of irritation (e.g., smoke, chlorine)

How to treat allergy-related eye irritation.

• Use antihistamine eye drops or oral allergy medications
• Apply cool compresses to reduce swelling and itchiness
• Keep windows closed during high-pollen seasons
• Use an air purifier and change filters regularly
• Avoid rubbing your eyes; it only makes things worse!

When to visit CityMD.

• If you’re unsure whether it’s pink eye or allergies
• If symptoms don’t improve in a few days
• If your eye pain is severe, vision is affected, or discharge becomes thick and has a color to it
  
   

Bonus: what about dry eyes? How to tell the difference from pink eye.

Still stumped about what’s bothering your eyes? If you’ve ruled out allergies but don’t have thick discharge or cold symptoms, there’s another possibility: dry eyes.

Dry eye syndrome is common and can mimic the early signs of pink eye. Both can cause redness, irritation and even watery eyes (yes, ironically, dry eyes can lead to tearing). But the causes and treatments are very different.

If your eyes feel dry, tired, or strained, especially after long hours on a screen or in a dry environment, it’s probably dry eyes. But if you have thick discharge, pink coloration, or cold-like symptoms, you might be dealing with pink eye.

Still not sure? That’s where CityMD comes in. Our urgent care teams can help figure out the cause and get you on the right treatment fast, so your eyes can stop being the center of discomfort.

Conclusion.

Red, itchy eyes are no fun, but figuring out the cause can make all the difference in how quickly you find relief. Whether it’s allergy season or a case of contagious pink eye, getting the proper treatment starts with the right diagnosis.

Stop guessing and get answers. Walk into your nearest CityMD for fast, expert care and relief that actually works.