Pink Eye vs Stye – Symptom, Causes and Treatment

Eyes are essential to perform almost every task of our life, so it is obvious that they will get subjected to numerous dirt and dust. As a result, it becomes vulnerable to infection and irritation. However, the most common problems faced by all are pink eye and stye.

Refer to this guide on pink eye vs stye to be able to tell them apart and take measures accordingly.

Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is a condition in which inflammation occurs in your eye membrane. This results in the formation of lines in your eyelid and the white part of your eyes, leading to redness and pain. It is common in children and develops due to the action of parasites, bacteria, viruses, irritants and allergens like dirt and dust.

If you are experiencing a viral or bacterial form of pink eye, there is a chance of it spreading as these are contagious. However, if it is caused due to irritants and allergens, it is not contagious.

In the case of bacterial pink eye, green and yellow substances will discharge from your eyes. However, in the case of viral infection, your eyes become sensitive to light and watery.

A stye is another eye condition that forms because of oil or bacteria blocking your oil gland or hair follicles around your eyes. By noticing a pimple-like bump on your eyelids, you can tell it's a stye. Unlike pink eye, a stye is not contagious. However, it can develop both externally and internally.

In the external stye, you could see this bump on your eyelid. However, if it is inside your eye, it may cause your eyelid to swell up and become red. A stye is more common in people who have a weak immune system or are diabetic patients.

After understanding what these diseases are, it's time to discuss the difference between pink eye and stye. It will cover topics like what are its symptoms, causes, treatment options and prevention tips. Find the details below:

1. Symptoms

The first signal through which you will be able to tell them apart is by noticing their symptoms. It includes:

Pink Eye

• Blurry vision
• Tearing or pus around the eye
• Redness or inflammation on your eyelid
• Itching
• Redness on your inner eyelid and in the whites of your eye
• Yellow, green or white discharge

Stye

• Swollen eyelid
• Pain in or around your eye
• Sensitivity to light
• A lump on your upper or lower lid
• Redness
• Tearing or pus in the eye
• A gritty feeling

2. Causes

Though the symptoms of both pink eye and stye are troublesome, the severity of the disease may vary. So, another parameter defining the difference between stye and conjunctivitis is its causes:

Pink Eye

There are three types of pink eye: allergic, viral and bacterial. There are different causes for the development of different types. However, the common ones that can form any one of the types are:

• A virus like a cold or flu
• Allergens including pet dander, dust, pollen, chemicals and smoke
• Irritations caused by cleansers, cosmetics, or contact lenses
• Foreign objects entering your eye
• Exposure to bacteria

Stye

A stye can result from an infection or inflammation at the base of your eyelash follicle or within your eyelid's small oil gland. You may introduce your eye to the bacteria in ways like:

• Going to sleep without removing the eye makeup
• Touching or rubbing your eye frequently
• Maintaining poor eye hygiene overall
• Wearing contact lenses longer than their intended use

3. Treatment

Another important factor to consider under conjunctivitis vs stye comparison guide is its treatment process. Since both diseases have different symptoms and causes, the way to treat them also differs. The process is explained below:

Pink Eye

There is nothing to worry about in the case of pink eye, as the infection usually clears up within five or seven days. However, until it clears, you can use some home remedies to relieve yourself of its symptoms:

• Use artificial tear eye drops
• Apply cold compresses in the affected area to reduce inflammation
• Keep your clothes and bedding clean to avoid re-infecting your eyes
• Wash your hands before you touch your eyes
• Do not wear contact lenses until the infection gets clear

Stye

Treatment of a stye involves clearing the blockage from your oil gland containing the infection. Though it will heal on its own, the lump will go away slowly and gradually. However, if the amount of pain and swelling is high and the condition remains persistent, it is better to discuss your problem with a doctor.

They will recommend an antibiotic eye drop or ointment to get rid of the infection. Also, it will reduce the symptoms if you use warm compresses on your eyes. Warm compresses help dilate the blocked oil gland and clear the blockage and inflammation.

Additionally, if you are in excessive pain, the doctor may prescribe you counter painkillers, including Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen. Remember not to squeeze or pop the stye.

When considering preventing tips under stye eye vs pink eye guide, it is important to understand that while the pink eye is contagious, a stye is not. So, you would want to wash your hands before and after touching your eyes with a pink eye. However, some habits help prevent both at the same time, like:

• Wash your face daily before going to bed.
• Keeping your hands clean, especially if you are responsible for taking care of a child or a pet.
• Clean your bedding regularly, especially your pillows, to prevent attracting infection.
• Take off your makeup at the end of the day or as soon as you return home with an oil-free makeup remover.
• Do not share items that may touch your eyes, like wash clothes, towels, cosmetics, etc.

Both pink eye and stye are uncomfortable eye situations that you would want to treat as soon as possible. Consider the above guide on pink eye vs stye to identify the condition and take immediate measures.

However, if the conditions do not match the symptoms and you feel like there is another problem you are dealing with, take all infections seriously. The eye is a sensitive part of the body and requires immediate attention.