Pink Eye vs. Stye: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Have you ever woken up with red, swollen eyes or a painful bump on your eyelid? It can be hard to tell whether you're dealing with pink eye (conjunctivitis) or a stye. While both conditions affect the eyes, they have different causes and require different treatments. This guide will help you identify symptoms, understand causes, and find the right treatment for each condition.

1/19/20253 min read

macro photography of human eye
macro photography of human eye

Pink Eye vs. Stye: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Understanding Pink Eye vs. Stye

Have you ever woken up with red, swollen eyes or a painful bump on your eyelid? It can be hard to tell whether you're dealing with pink eye (conjunctivitis) or a stye. While both conditions affect the eyes, they have different causes and require different treatments.

This guide will help you identify symptoms, understand causes, and find the right treatment for each condition.

What Is an Eye Stye?

A stye (hordeolum) is an infection of the oil glands in the eyelid, leading to a red, painful bump near the lash line. Styes can be external or internal, depending on where the infection occurs.

Symptoms of a Stye

✔️ Small, red bump on the eyelid (like a pimple)
✔️ Swollen, tender eyelid
✔️ Pain or discomfort when blinking
✔️ Pus discharge from the bump
✔️ Watery eyes or increased tearing

Causes of a Stye

🔹 Bacterial infection (usually Staphylococcus bacteria)
🔹 Clogged oil glands in the eyelid
🔹 Poor hygiene (touching eyes with unwashed hands)
🔹 Use of old or contaminated eye makeup
🔹 Contact lens misuse

What Is Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)?

Pink eye is an inflammation of the conjunctiva (the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye and inner eyelid). It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergies, or irritants.

Symptoms of Pink Eye

✔️ Redness across the white of the eye and eyelid
✔️ Watery or sticky discharge (causing crusty eyelashes in the morning)
✔️ Itching or burning sensation
✔️ Swollen eyelids
✔️ Light sensitivity
✔️ Gritty feeling in the eye

Causes of Pink Eye

🔹 Viral infections (most common, spreads quickly)
🔹 Bacterial infections (thicker, yellow/green discharge)
🔹 Allergies (itchiness and watery eyes)
🔹 Irritants (chemicals, smoke, chlorine)

Key Differences Between a Stye and Pink Eye

FeaturePink Eye (Conjunctivitis)Eye StyeLocationAffects the entire eye surfaceLocalized to the eyelid, near the lash lineCauseViruses, bacteria, allergens, irritantsBacterial infection in oil glandsSymptomsRedness, watery or sticky discharge, itchy feelingRed bump, swollen and tender eyelidTreatmentVaries by cause (antibiotics for bacterial)Warm compress, antibiotics if severePreventionHygiene, avoiding contact with infected peopleHandwashing, avoiding sharing makeup

How to Treat a Stye vs. Pink Eye

Treatment for a Stye

💊 Apply a warm compress for 10-15 minutes, 3-4 times a day to help drain the stye.
💊 Avoid touching or popping the stye to prevent the infection from spreading.
💊 Use over-the-counter pain relief (ibuprofen) for discomfort.
💊 Antibiotic ointment or eye drops (prescribed by a doctor for severe cases).

Treatment for Pink Eye

👁 Viral pink eye: Usually resolves within 7-14 days with supportive care like cold compresses and artificial tears.
👁 Bacterial pink eye: Requires antibiotic eye drops or ointment to clear the infection.
👁 Allergic pink eye: Treated with antihistamine eye drops and avoiding allergens.
👁 Irritant pink eye: Rinse the eyes thoroughly with clean water or artificial tears.

🔹 If symptoms worsen or affect vision, consult a doctor immediately.

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical attention if:

❗ Your vision becomes blurry or light sensitivity increases.
❗ The swelling worsens or spreads beyond the eyelid.
❗ There is thick yellow/green discharge (possible bacterial infection).
❗ You experience severe pain or worsening redness.

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How to Prevent Pink Eye and Styes

Preventing a Stye

✔️ Wash hands regularly and avoid touching your eyes.
✔️ Replace old eye makeup every 3 months.
✔️ Properly clean contact lenses to prevent bacterial buildup.
✔️ Avoid sharing makeup, towels, or eye care products.

Preventing Pink Eye

✔️ Wash hands frequently, especially after touching your face.
✔️ Avoid sharing personal items like towels and pillows.
✔️ Keep contact lenses clean and avoid wearing them overnight.
✔️ Use allergy medication if prone to allergic conjunctivitis.

Final Thoughts: Know the Difference & Get Treated Fast

Both pink eye and styes can be uncomfortable, but knowing the difference is key to getting the right treatment.

1️⃣ Recognize the symptoms early to avoid complications.
2️⃣ Use home remedies like warm compresses or OTC drops for mild cases.
3️⃣ Seek medical advice for persistent or worsening symptoms.
4️⃣ Use TravelDoctorEU for fast online consultations & prescriptions.

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