Conjunctivitis is not the only condition of the conjunctiva. Injuries or trauma to the eye can cause cysts or subconjunctival hemorrhages. Pinguecula and pterygium growths are growths on the conjunctiva. Dry eye is not conjunctivitis, but may look like conjunctivitis.

A conjunctivitis cyst or conjunctival cyst is a fluid-filled pocket on the conjunctiva of the eye or underside of the eyelid. Conjunctivitis cysts can be caused by inflammation of the conjunctiva. The cyst could also be caused by trauma or surgery to the eye or conjunctiva. Of the surgical causes, surgery to the muscles has the highest risk of causing conjunctival cysts. One cause of conjunctival cysts is a folding of the conjunctival crypts of the underside of the eyelid.

In some instances, the conjunctival cyst may form due to chronic rubbing. Treatment for conjunctivitis cysts includes lubricants or medication. The cyst may be surgically removed or punctured by a physician or ophthalmologist. The cyst may pop in its own.

Pinguecula and pterygium are benign growths of the conjunctiva that typically occur adjacent to the cornea at the 3-o’clock position, the 9-o’clock position, or both. A pinguecula is a raised yellowish-white mass on the conjunctiva that may cause irritation. A pinguecula does not usually grow onto the cornea. A pinguecula may cause a cosmetic blemish. It can be surgically removed.

A pterygium is a fleshy triangular growth of conjunctiva. A pterygium may spread across and distort the cornea. This can cause vision problems and astigmatism. A person with a pterygium may feel like there is something in the eye. A pterygium may be surgically removed. It is most common in dry climates.

Subconjunctival hemorrhages may look like some severe form of conjunctivitis. However, subconjunctival hemorrhages are not a condition of the conjunctiva at all. After an injury, pressure from sneezing, or similar trauma, a bleed may develop under the conjunctiva. The bleed under the conjunctiva makes the eye look red. The hemorrhage does not impair vision or cause conjunctivitis symptoms. Subconjunctival hemorrhages subside on their own. No treatments have been proven to make the whites of the eyes clear any faster.

Dry eye syndrome can cause symptoms that are similar to conjunctivitis. Itching, burning, the sensation of something in the eye, and irritation are symptoms of dry eye syndrome and conjunctivitis. Dry eye syndrome is caused by an abnormally low production of tears or the rapid deterioration of tears which impedes their lubricating ability. Like some types of conjunctivitis, dry eye syndrome can be made worse by wearing contact lenses for extended periods of time.