ALLERGIC CONJUNCTIVITIS VS. INFECTIOUS CONJUNCTIVITIS: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

🌧️ Red, itchy eyes with persistent tearing - are you thinking, "It's probably just allergies, it'll go away in a few days"? However, these symptoms can also occur in infectious conjunctivitis. Because there are many overlapping symptoms, many people easily confuse the two conditions and self-treat based on personal experience. 
👉 So how do allergic conjunctivitis and infectious conjunctivitis differ? Especially during the rainy season, what should you pay attention to in order to care for your eyes properly? Join CarePlus in exploring this topic in the article below. 

1️⃣ Why is it easy to confuse allergic conjunctivitis with infectious conjunctivitis? 
Both allergic conjunctivitis and infectious conjunctivitis can cause: 
▪️ Red eyes 
▪️ Tearing 
▪️ A gritty, burning, or uncomfortable sensation 
▪️ Mild eyelid swelling 
Therefore, looking at "red eyes" alone is not enough to determine the cause. Doctors also rely on the degree of itching and accompanying symptoms to guide the diagnosis. 

2️⃣ 5 helpful signs to distinguish allergic conjunctivitis from infectious conjunctivitis 
Eye itching 
🔹 Allergic conjunctivitis: Itching is a prominent symptom, sometimes quite uncomfortable, causing the patient to want to rub their eyes constantly 
🔸 Infectious conjunctivitis: May cause discomfort, a gritty sensation, or burning, but itching is usually not the most prominent symptom 
Eye discharge 
🔹 Allergic conjunctivitis: Usually produces clear, watery tearing mixed with mucus 
🔸 Infectious conjunctivitis: May be caused by bacteria or viruses; may present with heavier, mucopurulent discharge, or crusting that seals the eyelids shut upon waking 
Eyes affected 
🔹 Allergic conjunctivitis: Usually appears in both eyes at the same time 
🔸 Infectious conjunctivitis: May begin in one eye and then spread to the other 
Accompanying symptoms 
🔹 Allergic conjunctivitis: May be accompanied by sneezing, itchy nose, or a runny nose 
🔸 Viral or bacterial infectious conjunctivitis: May be accompanied by a sore throat, runny nose, or mild fever 
Contagiousness 
🔹 Allergic conjunctivitis: Not contagious from person to person 
🔸 Viral or bacterial infectious conjunctivitis: Highly contagious through eye discharge, or through sharing personal items such as handkerchiefs, towels, etc. 
➡️ Precisely because these conditions share many similar features yet differ in severity and impact, self-diagnosis and self-treatment based on personal experience can easily lead to improper care. In particular, you should not self-administer corticosteroid-containing eye drops without a prescription from an Ophthalmology Specialist, as certain eye conditions can worsen if the medication is used incorrectly  

👩‍⚕️ Comprehensive eye care with CarePlus 
Although allergic conjunctivitis and infectious conjunctivitis present with fairly similar symptoms, their treatment approaches are entirely different. Therefore, you should see an Ophthalmology Specialist to determine the cause and receive the appropriate treatment plan. 
With a team of experienced Ophthalmology specialists and a modern diagnostic support system, CarePlus helps clients gain a clearer understanding of their eye condition and choose the right direction for care. 
✔️ Eye examination and assessment 
✔️ Treatment and care guidance tailored to each condition 
✔️ Comprehensive eye health monitoring and care 
📩 Message our Fanpage or contact our free Hotline at 1800 6116 to book an appointment today. 
✅ This article was medically reviewed by Specialist Level 2 Doctor Khuong Thi Kha Ly - Ophthalmology Specialist at CarePlus International Clinics.