The Eye Health Dilemma: What is Commonly Misdiagnosed as Pink Eye?
Commonly misdiagnosed as pink eye: Eye conditions
Several eye conditions can be commonly misdiagnosed as pink eye (conjunctivitis) due to similar symptoms. These include:
Allergic Conjunctivitis: Allergic reactions to pollen, dust, or pet dander can cause redness, itching, and watery eyes, mimicking the symptoms of infectious pink eye.
Dry Eye Syndrome: Dry eye can cause redness, a gritty feeling, and occasional tearing, which may be mistaken for pink eye.
Bacterial or Viral Conjunctivitis: Sometimes, pink eye itself can be misdiagnosed. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis may share similar symptoms but require different treatments.
Subconjunctival Hemorrhage: This condition involves broken blood vessels in the eye's white part, causing a bright red patch on the eye's surface. It can be mistaken for pink eye due to the redness.
Irritants or Foreign Bodies: The presence of foreign objects, like dust or chemicals, in the eye can lead to redness, irritation, and tearing, resembling pink eye.
Contact Lens-Related Issues: Improper contact lens use or hygiene can cause eye redness, discomfort, and infection, which may be confused with pink eye.
Keratitis: Inflammation of the cornea, called keratitis, can cause eye redness, pain, and sensitivity to light, resembling some symptoms of pink eye.
Glaucoma: Acute angle-closure glaucoma can present with sudden eye redness, severe pain, and vision changes, potentially leading to misdiagnosis.
Iritis: Iritis, inflammation of the colored part of the eye, can cause eye redness, pain, and light sensitivity, which may be mistaken for pink eye.
Blepharitis: This eyelid inflammation can lead to red, irritated eyes, often confused with pink eye.