Conditions Commonly Misdiagnosed as Pink Eye
1. Dry Eye Syndrome Symptoms Overlap: Redness, irritation, and a gritty feeling. Distinguishing Features: Worsens at the end of the day or in specific environments. No significant discharge apart from watery eyes. 2. Blepharitis Symptoms Overlap: Redness, itchiness, and irritation. Distinguishing Features: Crusty deposits on eyelashes, especially in the morning. 3. Stye (Hordeolum) Symptoms Overlap: Redness and swelling. Distinguishing Features: A localized, tender bump on the eyelid. 4. Uveitis Symptoms Overlap: Redness and sensitivity to light. Distinguishing Features: Blurred vision and pain, requiring immediate treatment. 5. Subconjunctival Hemorrhage Symptoms Overlap: Bloodshot appearance. Distinguishing Features: Bright red patch without pain, irritation, or discharge. 6. Keratitis Symptoms Overlap: Redness and tearing. Distinguishing Features: Severe pain, blurred vision, and often a white spot on the cornea. 7. Allergic Conjunctivitis Symptoms Overlap: Redness, itchiness, and tearing. Distinguishing Features: Often affects both eyes and is accompanied by sneezing or nasal congestion. 8. Episcleritis Symptoms Overlap: Redness and discomfort. Distinguishing Features: Mild tenderness without discharge. 9. Foreign Body in the Eye Symptoms Overlap: Redness and watering. Distinguishing Features: Sensation of something stuck in the eye. 10. Glaucoma Symptoms Overlap: Redness and eye discomfort. Distinguishing Features: Severe pain, blurred vision, headache, and nausea. Immediate treatment is critical.