Pink eye or cold/allegry?

Question

one of my eyes is pink. not bloodshot red or anything too bad but just a pinkish color. i was outside in the sun for about 5 minutes and i could not stop crying. I had a moderate pain in my eyes looking in bright light so i closed my eyes. my mom thinks i might just have a cold or allergies. What do you think

Answer 1

Conjuntivitis (pink eye) usually doesn't have pain associated with it.  It does create a goopy discharge that will usually crust, especially overnight.

I would recommend that you see an ophthalmologist for this condition because you may possibly have iritis or a scratch of some sort.  Iritis is a very serious condition and needs eye drops that are only available by Rx.  I have seen too many patients come in to the office in a lot of pain because they waited too long.  If you do have this condition, you may also have to keep the eye dilated to assist with the pain problem as well.  I have worked in ophthalmology for 10 years.  Please call an eye doctor and get in to be seen.  If you do have iritis you need to be seen within 24 hours to get started on drops.

Answer 2

i think moms right. Pink eye will pus and mat over9especially after sleeping) you actually have to prie your lids open.

Answer 3

The photophobia you describe is the most concerning symptom you mention.  It can indicate keratitis or uveitis, which can be very serious and sight-threatening.  At best it is just an allergy or cold virus, but this is not something you can self-diagnose.  Call your optometrist or ophthalmologist (either can treat this) for an appointment ASAP.