Red Eye vs. Pink Eye

Red Eye vs. Pink Eye

Common Causes and Treatment of Red, Sore Eyes1

Eyes can become red and sore due to a number of reasons.

Bloodshot & Irritated Eyes

It is a common problem for eyes to appear red and feel sore and irritated. This can be due to our environment or our lifestyle activities which can dry our eyes and make them feel sore or because they have been mildly irritated, causing the blood vessels on the white surface of the eyes to become enlarged.

Symptoms of minor redness and soreness are likely to be due to the environment, an activity or a minor irritant such as:

Red Eye vs. Pink Eye
  • Environment
    • sun
    • wind
    • dry climate
    • air conditioning or heating
    • hot blowing air
    • high altitudes
    • computer use or reading
  • Minor irritants
    • dusty, smoky or polluted atmospheres,
    • chlorine from swimming
    • shampoo
    • dust
    • eyelash in the eye
    • over consumption of alcohol

A redness relief drop such as Murine® irritation & redness relief eye drops can clear the redness and soothe eyes which have been irritated. They contain naphazoline hydrochloride (at the maximum strength available in Pharmacy) which reduces swollen blood vessels on the surface of the eye to soothe irritation and clears redness. It has a fast acting and long lasting action.

They are available only from your Pharmacy (without prescription). Caution: Not for use if you suffer from any serious eye diseases.

Always read the label

Pink Eye (Infective Conjunctivitis)

This is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the mucous membranes that line the inner surface of the eyelids. It can be caused by either a bacterial or a viral infection. It is very common and highly contagious.

Does your eye show any of the following symptoms?

  • Redness
  • Watering eyes
  • Sticky discharge
  • Eyes stuck together in morning after waking
  • If both eyes are affected, did it start in one eye first?
  • Eyes slightly sore
  • Eyelids swollen
  • Close contact with someone with an eye infection?

If so, it is likely you have infective conjunctivitis. It usually clears without treatment in 1-2 weeks. Remove contact lenses and clean eyes with cotton wool soaked in water. Use clean wool for each eye. Eye drops (such as lubricating Murine® dry & tired eyes) may ease soreness and stickiness in eyes, but be careful not to transfer any infection from one eye to the other whilst using eye drops. If you prefer treatment, visit your pharmacy for an anti-infective eye drop.

Allergy Eyes (Allergic Conjunctivitis)

This is an inflammation of the conjunctiva due to an allergen which could be seasonal (e.g. hayfever) or perennial (house mites, animal dander, etc).

Are the following symptoms present?

  • Both eyes affected
  • Redness
  • Watering
  • Itching
  • Slight burning sensation
  • Eyelids slightly swollen
  • Do the symptoms occur at the same time each year (eg hayfever)?
  • Do they occur throughout the year, often in morning (perennial hayfever)?
  • Accompanied by sneezing and blocked or runny nose?

If yes, then visit your pharmacy for an antihistamine, either oral and/or eye drops

Serious Causes of Red, Sore Eyes – requiring immediate attention2

If you suffer with more serious symptoms (such as pain, impaired vision, headache, vomiting, inability to tolerate light) you should urgently visit a doctor. You should also immediately visit a doctor for any penetrating eye injury or embedded foreign body or if the eye has been irritated by harsh chemicals such as acid, alkali, or cement.

Other common eye infections

Blepharitis3

Blepharitis is a common eye infection in which the eyelash follicles along the edge of the eyelid become inflamed. With blepharitis, the eyelids become red, itchy and irritated. A dandruff-like crust may form on the edge of the eyes and eyelashes. Other symptoms include loss of eyelashes or abnormal eye lash growth, a gritty sensation when blinking, and swelling.

Blepharitis is not contagious and is best controlled through good eye hygiene. Keep the eyes clean and free of crust by following a regular routine using warm compresses to help loosen any crusting, using lubricating ointments and improving personal hygiene. Speak to your GP or pharmacist for further advice.

Eye Styes4

Styes are another common type of bacterial infection. With styes, the oil producing glands around the eyelashes or eyelids become obstructed and appear as small bumps on the eyelids. Symptoms include redness, swelling of a specific area that will appear as a bump, and discomfort when blinking.

A hot compress may be applied to the infected area to bring the stye to a head, allowing it to drain and begin healing. Antibiotic creams or tablets can treat more serious cases.

Warnings: If eye symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

Disclaimer – Prestige Brands (UK) Limited, the owner of the Murine® brand, is not providing any medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The content provided in this Guide is for informational purposes only. Certain references to third-party information have been provided in the Guide for information purposes only but have not been verified or validated by Prestige Brands (UK) Limited. Prestige Brands (UK) Limited does not recommend or endorse any third-party information and your use of any information in the Guide is solely at your own risk.

1NHS Direct Patient Information Leaflets

2NHS Clinical Knowledge Summaries

3NHS Direct Patient Information Leaflets

4NHS Direct Patient Information Leaflets