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Two common causes of red, itchy, watery eyes are pink eye and eye allergies.
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Both conditions cause similar symptoms. The difference is generally what’s causing those symptoms.
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If you or your child has pink eye that lasts for several days, it’s best to seek medical care. Eye allergies can usually be treated at home.
Pink eye and allergies cause similar symptoms
If you’ve ever suffered from red, itchy, watery eyes, you know how unpleasant these symptoms can be. You also probably wonder what caused them and what you can do to get better.
First, the basics
Two causes of red, itchy, watery eyes – pink eye (conjunctivitis) and eye allergies (allergic conjunctivitis) – are among the most common culprits. Both are types of inflammation that affect the membrane layer that covers your eyeball and the inside of your eyelid.
Some more serious conditions, such as shingles or glaucoma, can also cause red eyes. For this article, we’ll focus on pink eye and allergies, but note that you should always see a doctor right away if you have pain in an eye or any vision change.
Pink eye
Pink eye can be caused by bacteria or a virus. The bacterial type is most common. It is often caused by the same bacteria that causes strep throat or staph infections.
Pink eye is most common in kids, but adults can get it too. Your eye can become infected through contact with an infected person’s eye discharge. This may happen if you touch the person or an infected surface and then your eye, or by inhaling droplets from the air.
Viral pink eye spreads in the same way a cold does, such as by touching your eyes after touching an infected person or surface or inhaling droplets from the air. The same viruses that cause common colds also cause viral pink eye.
Is pink eye contagious?
Pink eye is highly contagious! If you suspect you or someone around you has pink eye, avoid touching them and avoid touching your eyes. Wash your hands often – more than you think you need to – and don’t share bedding or towels.
Eye allergies
If you are allergic to dust mites, mold, pet dander, pollen or other substances in your environment, these same allergens can affect your eyes.
What do I have?
Pink eye and eye allergies cause similar symptoms. The difference is generally what’s causing those symptoms. Here’s a comparison:
| Pink eye | Eye allergies | |
| Causes | A bacterial or viral infection of the eye's outer membrane | A response to allergens such as dust, mold, pet dander or pollen |
| Symptoms | Redness, itchiness, tearing, discharge, crusting, eyelids sticking together | Itchiness, burning, gritty feeling, watering, redness, eyelid swelling, light sensitivity |
| Other differences |
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| Treatment |
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Get care, get better
You can usually treat eye allergy symptoms at home, by staying away from the substances that irritate you. To help with discomfort, you can apply a cool compress to your eyes and take over-the-counter antihistamines.
If you suspect you have pink eye and it continues to worsen for a few days, it's a good idea to seek medical care. Your provider can diagnose pink eye by looking at and swabbing your eyes.
Find a doctor
If you are looking for a doctor who can help you and your family stay healthy, you can search our provider directory for the right one.
Through Providence ExpressCare Virtual, you can access a full range of health care services from the comfort of your own home. For same day care, check out Providence ExpressCare locations.
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Related resources
Quick and effective ways to get rid of allergies
5 easy and effective ways to improve indoor air quality
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