Waking up with a red, swollen, or irritated eye can be alarming, especially if you’re unsure what’s behind it. In many cases, it’s the result of either pink eye or a stye, 2 common conditions that often lead patients to seek prompt eye care.
While pink eye affects the eye’s surface, usually caused by bacteria, infection, or allergens, a stye is a painful eyelid bump that forms when a gland becomes blocked and infected.
Both conditions can cause discomfort but require different treatments and management approaches. Your eye doctor can determine which is which so you can get relief faster and avoid potential complications.
What Is Pink Eye?
Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear tissue that covers the white of the eye and inside of the eyelid. When irritated, the small blood vessels in this tissue become more visible, making the eye appear red or pink.
Types of Pink Eye
There are 4 main types of conjunctivitis:
- Viruses cause viral conjunctivitis, often the same ones responsible for colds & respiratory infections
- Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious
- Bacteria cause bacterial conjunctivitis & can produce thicker, often yellow or green, discharge
- Bacterial conjunctivitis is contagious
- Allergic conjunctivitis is triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust, or pet dander
- Eye allergies are not contagious, but the symptoms typically affect both eyes
- Chemical conjunctivitis is a reaction to irritants such as chlorine or smoke, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe, depending on exposure
- Chemical conjunctivitis is not contagious
Common Symptoms of Pink Eye
Symptoms can vary depending on the type of pink eye. Common symptoms generally include:
- Red or pink colour in the whites of the eyes
- Excessive tearing
- Yellow, green, or clear discharge (sometimes sticky or stringy)
- Eyelid swelling
- Itchiness, burning, or a gritty feeling
- Sensitivity to light
What Is a Stye?
A stye (also called a hordeolum) is a small, red, and painful bump that forms along the edge of the eyelid, usually near the base of an eyelash. It develops when a gland or hair follicle becomes blocked and infected, typically with Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.
Styes can occur on the outer eyelid (external hordeolum) or under the lid (internal hordeolum) and are usually not contagious. Signs you may have a stye include:
- A visible red bump on the eyelid (similar to a pimple)
- Localized discomfort or tenderness
- Swollen eyelid
- Watery eyes
- Light sensitivity
- Crusting or discharge
- Feeling like something is in the eye
How to Tell the Difference Between a Stye & Pink Eye
While both pink eye and styes can cause discomfort, key differences that can help you identify which one you’re dealing with.
Location of Symptoms
Pink eye affects the eye’s surface and inner eyelid, leading to widespread redness and discharge. Styes are localized to the eyelid, forming a red, raised bump that feels sore to the touch.
Type of Discharge
Pink eye may cause watery or thick discharge that can crust over the lashes. Styes usually produce minimal discharge. However, it can leak pus when the bump drains.
Contagious or Not?
Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are highly contagious, but allergic and chemical conjunctivitis are not. That’s why it’s crucial to see an eye doctor when you have symptoms, to help protect those around you from potential infection.
Styes are rarely contagious, but the bacteria can be spread through shared towels or makeup.
Discomfort Level
Pink eye typically causes mild discomfort or itchiness. Styes tend to result in more localized discomfort, especially when blinking or touching the eyelid.
Treatment Options for Pink Eye
Treatment for pink eye depends on the type:
- Bacterial conjunctivitis may be treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments prescribed by an optometrist
- Viral conjunctivitis typically resolves on its own within 1–2 weeks, but you can use artificial tears & cool compresses for relief
- Allergic conjunctivitis can be managed with antihistamines or allergy eye drops
- Chemical conjunctivitis typically requires flushing the affected eye with saline or clean water; severe cases may necessitate urgent care
Treatment Options for a Stye
Most styes heal on their own within a week, but you can speed up the process by:
- Applying a warm compress for 5–10 minutes, 3–4 times daily
- Gently cleaning your eyelids with mild soap or a designated eyelid cleanser
- Avoiding eye makeup & contact lenses during healing
Your optometrist may recommend antibiotic ointment or drainage if the stye is particularly large, painful, or located inside the lid.
Hygiene Tips for Pink Eye & Styes
Simple eye hygiene practices can significantly help your irritated eye heal more quickly, and they’re also essential for preventing the spread when the condition is infectious. Here are some easy steps you can take:
- Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes
- Wash hands frequently
- Don’t share pillows, towels, or cosmetics
- Disinfect high-touch surfaces
- Stay home from work or school if contagious
When to See an Optometrist
Seeing your eye doctor can help you take control of your eye health and prevent worsening outcomes. Book an appointment if you experience:
- Severe discomfort or swelling
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Discharge that worsens or doesn’t improve
- A stye that hasn’t resolved after a week
- Repeated cases of pink eye or styes
Prompt care can help you get relief for symptoms faster and check for underlying conditions that may affect your recovery or long-term eye health.
Comprehensive, Supportive Care for Your Eye Health
While pink eye and styes are common and treatable, they can interfere with your daily routine and cause unnecessary stress. Recognizing the difference between the 2 is the first step toward finding effective relief.
At Oxford Optometry in Woodstock, our experienced team of eye care professionals offers personalized, compassionate care to help you manage infections, irritation, and all your eye health needs. Book your appointment today!
