You’re sitting at your desk in the middle of a late-night work session. Life is hard, and you’re exhausted. You blink, and nothing.
You try again and again, realizing that you’re now afflicted with not one but two issues. You have a strained eye from staring at the monitor and a strained one from not blinking enough. Unfortunately, understanding your problem doesn’t leave you with many solutions.
You’ve come to the right place. This guide is to help you understand what is Pink Eye vs Dry Eye.
Symptoms of Pink Eye vs Dry Eye
You will often experience itching, redness, and burning with pink eye. Your eyes may also water more than usual and be sensitive to light.
With dry eyes, you may feel a gritty or sandy sensation in your eyes, as well as burning, itching, and redness. Your eyes may also be more sensitive to light, and you may have trouble producing tears.
Causes of Pink Eye vs Dry Eye
There are two main types of pink eye: viral and bacterial. Both types are contagious and can be passed from person to person. Viral pink eye is often caused by the same viruses that cause the common cold.
This type of pink eye is usually mild and will resolve on its own within a week or two. But, the cause of pink eye is bacteria such as staph or strep. This type of pink eye is more severe and can lead to complications if not treated with antibiotics.
A dry eye is a condition that is caused by a variety of things. It includes environmental factors, certain medications, and underlying health conditions.
A dry eye can be uncomfortable and can cause symptoms such as burning, redness, and blurred vision. While pink eye is usually short-term, dry eye can be a chronic problem.
Treatment for Pink Eye vs Dry Eye
Pink eye treatment is with the use of different antibiotics, whether viral or bacterial. A dry eye is a condition in which the eyes do not produce enough tears. Tears are necessary for keeping the eyes healthy and moist.
Dry eye is treated with artificial tears, and other eye drops. In some cases, surgery may be required to treat dry eyes. Click here to know more about how this can be treated.
When to See a Doctor for Pink Eye or Dry Eye
Pink eye is contagious, while dry eye is not. Pink eye usually results in a discharge from the eye, whereas dry eye does not.
If you suspect you have pink eye, it’s essential to see a doctor to avoid spreading the infection. If you have dry eye, several over-the-counter treatments can help.
Home Remedies for Pink Eye or Dry Eye
There are a few home remedies that may help relieve the symptoms of pink eye or dry eye. For pink eye, you can try applying a warm, damp cloth to the affected eye several times a day. For dry eye, you can try using artificial tears or increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids.
Treat Your Eye Today
So, if you or a loved one is suffering from pink eye, take the time to educate yourself on the differences. There are some pink eye vs dry eye symptoms to keep in mind, so keep this guide handy as your questions arise. If your symptoms are severe, or if you can’t figure out the cause, see a doctor to get a proper diagnosis.
Check out some of our other articles today for other health tips and news!
