Can conjunctivitis cause eye discharge?

Under normal circumstances, most patients with conjunctivitis experience increased eye discharge. However, in mild cases or certain special types of conjunctivitis, eye discharge may not be obvious. If in doubt, it is recommended to seek medical advice promptly. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If conjunctivitis is caused by a bacterial infection or involves a significant inflammatory response, the ocular mucous membrane becomes irritated and produces large amounts of mucus or purulent secretions, resulting in abundant yellow or yellow-green eye discharge. This is often particularly noticeable upon waking, when discharge may stick the eyelids together and interfere with opening the eyes. This is commonly accompanied by symptoms such as redness and a foreign body sensation, making the presentation of eye discharge quite typical in these cases.

If the conjunctivitis is due to a mild viral infection or is in the early stages of allergic conjunctivitis, the impact on ocular secretion is relatively minor. There may only be a small amount of clear or white, watery discharge, which does not easily form noticeable clumps and can thus be overlooked. However, as the condition progresses, especially if secondary bacterial infection occurs, eye discharge may increase.

When symptoms of conjunctivitis appear, avoid rubbing the eyes to prevent worsening of the infection. Gently wipe away secretions from the corners of the eyes using a clean cotton swab to maintain ocular hygiene. Seek timely medical evaluation to determine the specific type of inflammation and follow medical advice for appropriate medication to prevent prolonged illness or transmission to others.