Allergic Versus Infectious Conjunctivitis

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Question:
My son has allergies and often rubs his eyes and they do get a little red. How do I know when it's just his allergies and when I should have it checked for pink eye?  

Answer:
Both pink eye and allergic conjunctivitis can make the eye(s) turn red. The hallmark of allergic conjunctivitis is itching. Patients with allergic conjunctivitis may also have a mild watery or stringy discharge. Pink eye is a term used to describe conjunctivitis that is due to an infection. Itching is not typically a prominent feature of pink eye and the patient usually has a more prominent discharge from the eye.

Answered by: David K. Coats, MD

Categories: Eye Conditions, Children's Eye Health

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