Can You Get Pink Eye from a Sinus Infection?

Pink eye is a very general term for an eye infection that causes the eye to go pink or red. The sinuses are hollow tubes that run behind the forehead, eyes, cheeks, and nasal bones. Because of their proximity to the eyes, an infection in the sinuses (sinusitis) can sometimes cause pink eye.  

The Link Between Pink Eye and Sinus Infection

• Back to basics: what is pink eye?
• Why a sinus infection can cause pink eye

Back to basics: what is pink eye?

The clinical name for pink eye is conjunctivitis. This, quite literally, means, “infection of the conjunctiva”, which is the clear protective membrane that covers the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelid.

There are many causes of pink eye, including:

• Allergies
• Bacterial infection
• Viral infection

The cure for pink eye will depend on the underlying cause. A bacterial infection, for example, will usually require a course of antibiotics. Allergies often respond to antihistamines and viral infections are typically supported with medication and physical ways to treat the symptoms.

Why a sinus infection can cause pink eye

Because the sinuses are so close to the eyes, an infection here can potentially migrate to them. We often unwittingly assist this by touching or rubbing the face and eye area.

Sinusitis has a range of symptoms. These include:

• A blocked or stuffy nose
• A thick, colored, mucus discharge
• Headaches.
• Pain or pressure in the face and behind the eyes.

Sinusitis can be either bacterial or viral in origin—the same as conjunctivitis. We naturally touch or rub the face and eyes to try to relieve the pressure and pain caused by a sinus infection. However, doing so risks transferring the infection to the eye area, resulting in conjunctivitis (pink eye).

Do You Always Get Pink Eye from a Sinus Infection?

• Pink eye, sinus infection, and other causes

Pink eye, sinus infection, and other causes

Not all sinus infections will be transferred to the eyes. While both viral and bacterial sinusitis can cause pink eye, this can generally be avoided by:

• Not rubbing the face, eyes, and nose
• Meticulous hand washing and hygiene
• Disposing of tissues immediately after blowing your nose
• Using soothing eye drops to help reduce tearing (a common symptom of sinusitis)
• Drink lots of water (helps to keep the mucus thin and allows it to drain more easily)

Along with sinusitis, there’s a close relationship between other illnesses and pink eye. This is because the mucous membrane that lines the eye also connects the lungs, nose, and throat—an area known as the upper respiratory tract. A virus or bacteria can easily travel along this link.

Indeed, as well as the potential to get pink eye from a sinus infection, it’s not uncommon for both bacterial and viral conjunctivitis to cause respiratory infections too. While the respiratory tract might not become infected, symptoms—such as coughing or a sore throat—can also be present with pink eye.

While pink eye is often self-limiting and can be treated with over-the-counter medication, many cases require treatment from an eye doctor.

Worried About Pink Eye, a Sinus Infection, or Other Allergy? Call the WBEC Today

Whatever the reason for pink eye, knowing the root cause is the key to successful treatment. Whether it’s caused by a sinus infection, a virus, or bacterial pink eye, the first step is an examination and diagnosis.

The West Boca Eye Center offers the ultimate care for all things eye-related. Pink eye can make your life a misery, so don’t hold off getting treatment. 

Visit https://www.westbocaeyecenter.com/ for more information and call our friendly team today to book a consultation.

Pink eye is a very general term for an eye infection that causes the eye to go pink or red. The sinuses are hollow tubes that run behind the forehead, eyes, cheeks, and nasal bones.

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