Because infectious pink eye is highly contagious, people who have symptoms of this illness are urged to seek prompt medical attention. In addition, the symptoms of pink eye are similar to those of serious sight-threatening eye illnesses, such as acute glaucoma, uveitis and endophthalmitis. It is important to rule these conditions out before making a diagnosis of pink eye.

In diagnosing pink eye, a physician will perform a physical examination and compile a thorough medical history. Samples of eye secretions may be obtained and analyzed in a laboratory to determine the nature of the infection. Other tests that may be performed include measurement of a patient’s visual clarity, slit-lamp examination (microscope that studies the front of the eye) and tonometry (measures pressure inside the eyes).

Children with pink eye that does not appear to be the result of viral or bacterial infection may undergo allergy testing. If the patient is a child, a physician may look for the presence of a partially opened tear duct.