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What Causes Pink Eyes?
Posted on
Thu, 2 Feb 2017
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Thu, 2 Feb 2017
Answered on
Sat, 18 Feb 2017
Last reviewed on
Question : My left eye has been itching and watering all day (nose running too). My eye is now red and somewhat swollen. I'm wondering if I have pink eye?
Brief Answer:
conjunctivitis can be allergic or due to infection
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is definitely possible though allergies are also option as well.
Pink eye refers usually to conjunctivitis which is inflammation of an area of the eye called the conjunctiva.
It is most commonly due to infection (viral or bacterial) or allergies. In both cases, swelling would occur as part of the body's inflammatory response.
If there is no discharge, an infection is less likely and it is probably an allergy.
You can try an oral anti histamine to see if this helps or if you have an allergy eye drop that has been recommended by your doctor, you can use this instead eg pataday
Oral antihistamines are over the counter eg benadryl, zyrtec, claritine.
If there is no improvement or worsening or there is a change in your vision, then you should be seen by your doctor as soon as possible.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
conjunctivitis can be allergic or due to infection
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is definitely possible though allergies are also option as well.
Pink eye refers usually to conjunctivitis which is inflammation of an area of the eye called the conjunctiva.
It is most commonly due to infection (viral or bacterial) or allergies. In both cases, swelling would occur as part of the body's inflammatory response.
If there is no discharge, an infection is less likely and it is probably an allergy.
You can try an oral anti histamine to see if this helps or if you have an allergy eye drop that has been recommended by your doctor, you can use this instead eg pataday
Oral antihistamines are over the counter eg benadryl, zyrtec, claritine.
If there is no improvement or worsening or there is a change in your vision, then you should be seen by your doctor as soon as possible.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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