What are the symptoms of conjunctivitis?

      Conjunctivitis (commonly known as “pink eye”) is a prevalent condition during spring and summer. During these seasons, people often visit swimming pools, bathtubs, and aquatic centers to cool down. However, such facilities are public spaces; poor hygiene practices can easily lead to conjunctivitis. So, what are the symptoms of conjunctivitis?

What Are the Symptoms of Conjunctivitis?

Symptoms of conjunctivitis include excessive tearing, a foreign-body sensation, burning, or stinging pain. Clinically, it manifests as conjunctival hyperemia (redness) and increased mucoid or mucopurulent discharge. Due to the copious discharge, the upper and lower eyelashes frequently adhere together. Upon waking in the morning, patients may find it difficult to open their eyes. In such cases, antibiotic eye drops—such as levofloxacin eye drops—may be applied before bedtime. Under medical supervision, topical antibiotic ointment may also be prescribed. Patients should seek medical evaluation at a hospital; however, the phrase “irritating mouthwash” mentioned here appears erroneous and likely reflects a mistranslation—no such treatment applies to conjunctivitis.

The hallmark symptom of conjunctivitis is eyelid adhesion upon waking, accompanied by abundant purulent discharge (“eye gunk”) and ocular redness. Conjunctival hyperemia is the characteristic clinical sign, giving rise to the colloquial term “pink eye.” Initial symptoms typically include conjunctival redness, photophobia, tearing, and a foreign-body sensation. Corneal involvement is rare. A key distinguishing feature is the profuse purulent discharge. In the morning, patients often notice their eyelids stuck together by discharge. Initially, only one eye is affected, but the infection commonly spreads to the contralateral eye. This condition is an infectious, acute or subacute bacterial conjunctivitis transmitted via direct or indirect contact; therefore, strict isolation and infection-control measures are essential.

Patients are advised to use prescribed eye drops appropriately to help slow disease progression. They should avoid fatigue, sleep deprivation, and prolonged screen time (e.g., extended mobile phone use). Additionally, strict isolation is necessary to prevent cross-infection. We hope this information proves helpful.