Pink Eye vs Stye: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Pink Eye vs Stye: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Have you ever woken up to find a red, swollen bump on your eyelid or your eyes looking bloodshot and feeling itchy? It’s easy to feel a bit worried when it happens.

The symptoms of a stye and pink eye (conjunctivitis) can overlap, which can make it tricky to tell which condition you have and, more importantly, how to handle it.

So, whether you’re managing your eye health or caring for a child or loved one with these symptoms, this guide will clarify what to look for and how to manage each condition.

Overview of Eye Styes and Pink Eye

An eye stye, or simply “stye,” is an infection in the oil glands of your eyelid, causing a tender, red swelling near the edge of the eyelid, often resembling a pimple.

A stye can form on the outer or inner eyelid, depending on its location, and it typically appears on only one eyelid.

In contrast, pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva—the thin clear tissue covering the white part of the eye and lining the inner eyelid.

Pink eye can result from viral or bacterial infections or allergic reactions, and it generally affects the entire eye surface.

It is commonly associated with symptoms like redness, itchiness, discharge, and a gritty sensation. Unlike styes, pink eye may involve both eyes and usually spreads quickly.

Symptoms of Eye Styes

Stye symptoms can vary depending on whether the stye is on the outer eyelid or inside the eyelid, but they generally include:

• a red, swollen bump on the eyelid edge
• pus discharge or a yellow spot in the center especially for external styes
• tenderness or soreness, especially when blinking
• increased tearing or a feeling of a foreign object in the eye

A stye is usually localized to a single area and may cause some swelling and discomfort, but it rarely affects vision directly.

External vs. Internal Stye Symptoms

Styes can appear on the outside (external) or inside (internal) of the eyelid:

• External stye: This type forms along the lash line, often causing pain, redness, and a visible bump resembling small pimples.
• Internal stye: An internal stye forms inside the eyelid, which can cause a white bump that’s often more painful and harder to spot.

Symptoms of Pink Eye

The symptoms of pink eye vary depending on the cause, which can either be viral, bacterial, or allergic. Common signs of pink eye include:

• redness across the white part of the eye or inner eyelid
• watery or sticky discharge that may lead to crusty eyelashes upon waking
• swollen eyelids and itching, especially in allergic conjunctivitis
• a gritty sensation in the eye, as if something is stuck
• sensitivity to light in some cases

Viral vs. Bacterial Pink Eye Symptoms

Here’s how viral pink eye and bacterial pink eye differ in their symptoms:

• Viral pink eye: Usually presents with clear, watery discharge and often spreads quickly. Symptoms may start in one eye but can spread to the other.
• Bacterial pink eye: Often produces a thicker, yellow, or greenish discharge that may stick the eyelids together. This type may also cause eyelid swelling and discomfort.

Causes of Eye Styes and Pink Eye

Styes are typically due to a bacterial infection in the oil glands of the eyelid. These infections can occur when the glands become clogged, allowing bacteria to multiply.

Some factors increase the likelihood of developing a stye, including:

• poor hygiene, such as touching the eyes without washing hands
• use of old or contaminated eye makeup
• contact lens misuse
• medical conditions like blepharitis, which causes eyelid inflammation

Possible causes of pink eye include:

• Viral infections: Often caused by viruses like adenovirus, which also causes the common cold.
• Bacterial infections: Often caused by bacteria like Staphylococcus or Streptococcus, which are highly contagious.
• Allergens: Triggers like pollen, dust, or pet dander can cause allergic conjunctivitis.
• Irritants: Smoke, chlorine, or harsh chemicals can lead to irritation-based conjunctivitis.

How to Treat a Stye vs. Pink Eye

Stye Treatments

Most styes resolve on their own within a week. However, you can try these steps for relief:

• Warm compresses: Apply a warm, damp cloth to the affected eye for 10-15 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day.
• Over-the-counter pain relief: Pain medications like ibuprofen can help manage pain and reduce inflammation.
• Avoid popping: Never attempt to pop a stye, as doing so can spread the infection.
• Antibiotic ointments or drops: In severe cases, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics if the infection doesn’t resolve.

Pink Eye Treatments

Treatment depends on the cause:

• Viral conjunctivitis: Often resolves within 7-14 days. Cold compresses and artificial tears can relieve discomfort.
• Bacterial conjunctivitis: Antibiotic eye drops or ointments prescribed by a doctor can help clear the infection. It usually takes about 2-5 days for the infection to improve.
• Allergic conjunctivitis: Allergy medications or antihistamine eye drops can reduce symptoms. Avoiding allergens prevents recurrence.

When to See a Doctor for Eye Infections

You may need to see a doctor for pink eye or a stye if:

• your vision becomes blurry, or bright light causes pain
• you notice severe symptoms like intense redness, thick yellow or green discharge, or worsening pain
• you experience signs of an infected stye, such as increased pain or swelling beyond the eyelid

Prevention Tips for Styes and Pink Eye

Tips to Prevent Styes

• Wash hands regularly and avoid touching your eyes with unwashed hands.
• Avoid sharing makeup and replace old eye makeup every three months.
• Follow proper hygiene for contact lenses to prevent styes.

Tips to Prevent Pink Eye

• Wash hands often, especially in viral and bacterial forms of pink eye.
• Avoid sharing towels or linens.
• Clean contact lenses properly to prevent bacterial infection.
• If you have allergies, keep windows closed on high-pollen days and consider using an air purifier indoors to avoid allergens that can cause pink eye.