Allergies vs. Infections: How to Tell What’s Really Affecting Your Eyes

When eye drops don’t do the trick and your eyes are still itchy, red and irritated, it might be time to stop blaming the pollen. Sure, spring and summer are prime time for allergies, but not every case of watery, swollen eyes is caused by the season. Sometimes, the culprit isn’t airborne at all, it’s infectious. 

The tricky part? Eye allergies and eye infections can look nearly identical at first glance. Both can leave your eyes red, uncomfortable and impossible to ignore—but the causes, the risks and the treatments are entirely different. Misreading the signs could mean prolonging your symptoms, making them worse. 

Here’s how to spot the key differences between allergic reactions and actual infections, and when it’s time to stop enduring discomfort and see your eye doctor. 

If your eyes itch more than anything else, allergic conjunctivitis is likely the reason. It’s usually triggered by environmental allergies like pollen, dander, mold or dust mites. Symptoms often include:

• Itchy, watery eyes
• Mild to moderate redness
• Clear discharge
• Puffiness or swelling around both eyes

Allergy symptoms tend to appear in both eyes and often occur alongside sneezing or nasal congestion. They may come and go depending on your exposure. 

Infectious conjunctivitis (aka pink eye) can be caused by bacteria or viruses; it often starts in one eye before spreading to the other. Common signs include:

• Redness that worsens over time
• Thick, yellow or green discharge (bacterial) or watery discharge (viral)
• Crusting of the lashes, especially in the morning
• Mild pain, irritation or burning
• Increased sensitivity to light

Unlike allergies, infections may be highly contagious, especially in schools, offices or close-contact settings. 

Not every case of red or itchy eyes is due to allergies or infections. Conditions like dry eye syndrome, blepharitis or even contact lens irritation can produce similar symptoms. So can exposure to smoke, pollution or strong household cleaners. 

In rare cases, more serious inflammatory conditions like episcleritis or scleritis can cause redness and discomfort that require prompt evaluation by an eye care professional. 

If your symptoms are getting worse, lasting more than a few days or affecting only one eye, it’s time to skip the guesswork. Using the wrong drops, especially steroid-based ones, on an infection can do more harm than good. 

A quick visit to your ophthalmologist at Skyline Vision Clinic can help determine what’s really going on and guide you toward the right solution—whether it’s allergy relief, antibiotics or something in between. 
Call us today at 719-630-3937 or visit WEBSITE to schedule your appointment. Relief starts with the right diagnosis.