They can have similar symptoms, including eye redness, tearing, and sensitivity to light.
Both require different treatments to resolve symptoms and avoid complications.
With that said, there are several signs and symptoms that can help differentiate the two.
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In many cases, examination with an ophthalmoscope may be enough to diagnose a corneal abrasion.
Most cases of pink eye will resolve on their own without treatment.
Even the different causes of conjunctivitis are treated differently.
With that said, the risk of complications for both conditions is relatively low.
Prognosis
When appropriately treated, the outlook for a scratched cornea or pink eye is generally good.
Most corneal abrasions heal regardless of treatment within three days.
With conjunctivitis, recovery times can vary by the cause.
Without treatment, bacterial conjunctivitis generally clears within 10 days (fewer when treated).
Viral pink conjunctivitis often takes longer and may persist for two weeks or more.
Both can cause similar symptoms, such as redness, tearing, light sensitivity, and pain.
Both conditions be diagnosed with an eye scope called an ophthalmoscope or a slit lamp.
Corneal abrasions may be treated with an eye patch and antibacterial or anti-inflammatory eye drops.
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American Academy of Ophthalmology.Conjunctivitis: what is pink eye?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Conjunctivitis (pink eye).
Columbia University.Corneal disease, facts about.
Azari AA, Arabi A.Conjunctivitis: a systematic review.J Ophthalmic Vis Res.
2020 Jul 29;15(3):372395. doi:10.18502/jovr.v15i3.7456
American Optimetric Assocation.Corneal abrasion.
