Are Red Eyes And Sensitivity To Light Indicative Of Pink Eye?

Posted on Wed, 14 Mar 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 14 Mar 2018 Answered on

Fri, 22 Feb 2019 Last reviewed on

Question : I am allergic to pet dander and last night I had a piece of dog hair in my eye. know I have watery eyes and it is red. My eye is sensitive to light. I was wondering if I have pink eye and what to do.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:

Pink eye is normally associated with discharge

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Pink eye/conjunctivitis refers to infection of the eye by either a viral or bacterial infection. Viral infections are more common.

With an infection, there is usually discharge building up in the eye. If you are noticing this, then it is possible that you may have an infection present.

You would need to see your doctor determine whether he or she thinks it is viral or bacterial.
If bacterial then drops would be needed.

If there is no discharge, then an infection is not likely unless it is pending since the dog hair occurred yesterday.

The watery sensation and redness may be due to slight damage to the eye (usually will heal). In cases like this though infection is not present, sometimes antibiotics drops are given to prevent an infection from occurring.

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar