Which sign is more typical of viral conjunctivitis?

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Multiple Choice

Which sign is more typical of viral conjunctivitis?

Watery discharge is the hallmark sign of viral conjunctivitis. Viral infections of the conjunctiva typically cause a serous, watery tear production with redness and irritation, and they often start in one eye and spread to the other. This pattern contrasts with bacterial conjunctivitis, which usually produces thick, purulent discharge that can crust over the eyelids, and with conditions that cause severe eye pain (more suggestive of keratitis or other emergent issues) or simple eyelid swelling without discharge. So the watery discharge best fits the viral pattern, making it the most typical sign for viral conjunctivitis.

Watery discharge is the hallmark sign of viral conjunctivitis. Viral infections of the conjunctiva typically cause a serous, watery tear production with redness and irritation, and they often start in one eye and spread to the other. This pattern contrasts with bacterial conjunctivitis, which usually produces thick, purulent discharge that can crust over the eyelids, and with conditions that cause severe eye pain (more suggestive of keratitis or other emergent issues) or simple eyelid swelling without discharge.

So the watery discharge best fits the viral pattern, making it the most typical sign for viral conjunctivitis.

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