Is allergic conjunctivitis pink eye?

The term pink eye describes an inflamed, red conjunctiva rather than a single cause. Allergy, viruses, bacteria, irritants, and other eye problems can create redness, so the accompanying symptoms matter.

Allergic conjunctivitis often affects both eyes and presents with intense itching, clear tears, puffy eyelids, and stringy mucus. Sneezing, an itchy nose, or symptoms after pollen, dust, mould, or animal exposure add support to an allergic pattern.

Viral conjunctivitis can spread between people and may begin in one eye with watery discharge. Bacterial conjunctivitis more often produces thicker discharge and eyelids that stick together. These patterns overlap, so appearance alone cannot always identify the cause.

Avoid rubbing, place a clean cool compress over closed eyes, and consider sterile lubricating drops. Wash your hands before touching the eye area. If infection has not been ruled out, do not share towels, pillowcases, cosmetics, or eye drops.

Stop wearing contact lenses until the redness and discharge have resolved and the cause is clear. Replace or clean lens equipment and eye makeup as directed after an infection. A pharmacist can advise on allergy drops when itching is the dominant feature.

Urgent assessment is warranted for eye pain, sensitivity to light, reduced or blurred vision, a foreign-body sensation after injury, chemical exposure, or significant swelling around the eye. Remove contact lenses and seek prompt care if a red eye is painful.

Arrange an appointment when symptoms remain confined to one eye, keep returning, worsen despite appropriate self-care, or include thick discharge. A clinician can examine the cornea and eyelids and decide whether allergy, infection, dryness, or another cause fits.

Ask what features distinguish allergy from infection in your case, whether you should avoid work, school, lenses, or makeup, and which drops are appropriate. Describe the order in which symptoms started, known exposures, recent respiratory illness, and any close contacts with red eyes.