What’s the difference between pink eye and a stye, and when does eye redness require medical assessment in Europe?

Pink eye vs stye explained: conjunctivitis, eyelid infections, symptoms, causes, and treatment criteria.

In this episode, we clarify how conjunctivitis (“pink eye”) differs from a stye (hordeolum) and how both conditions are evaluated during an online consultation in the EU.

You’ll learn:

• What conjunctivitis is and how viral, bacterial, and allergic types differ

• Typical pink eye symptoms: redness, discharge, irritation, crusting

• What a stye is — a localized infection of an eyelash follicle or gland

• Signs of a stye: tender eyelid lump, swelling, localized pain

• When antibiotic eye drops may be considered

• When warm compresses are appropriate

• Red flag symptoms such as vision changes, severe pain, or light sensitivity

• Situations where a prescription request may be declined pending in-person examination

We explain how doctors assess symptom onset, discharge type, contact lens use, visual disturbance, and systemic symptoms before recommending treatment. Some eye conditions require urgent in-person evaluation to prevent complications.

This episode reflects the clinical standards used by Mobi Doctor, where eye-related consultations are reviewed by a registered physician in line with EU medical guidance.

Read the full guide and transcript here:

https://www.mobidoctor.eu/blog/the-difference-between-pink-eye-and-a-stye