What Are the Main Symptoms of Pink Eye?

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

What Are the Primary Symptoms of Conjunctivitis?

Symptoms of conjunctivitis include excessive tearing, a foreign-body sensation, burning, or stinging. Clinically, it manifests as conjunctival hyperemia (redness) and increased mucoid or mucopurulent discharge. Due to copious secretions, the upper and lower eyelashes frequently adhere together. Upon waking in the morning, patients often 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. Additionally, patients should seek medical evaluation at a hospital for appropriate management, which may include irrigation with an antiseptic solution.

The hallmark symptom of conjunctivitis is eyelid adhesion upon awakening, accompanied by abundant purulent discharge (“eye gunk”) and ocular redness. Conjunctival hyperemia is the characteristic clinical sign, hence the colloquial term “pink eye.” Initial symptoms typically include ocular redness, photophobia, tearing, and a foreign-body sensation. Corneal involvement is rare. The most prominent feature is the profuse production of purulent discharge, causing the eyelids to stick together upon waking. Infection usually begins in one eye and subsequently spreads to the other. This condition is an infectious, acute or subacute bacterial conjunctivitis transmitted via direct or indirect contact; therefore, strict isolation and infection prevention 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., on mobile devices). Furthermore, isolation is necessary to prevent cross-infection. We hope this information proves helpful.