Chapter 1: Clinical Overview
The frequency of eye redness and discharge can vary between individuals. For example, "normal" reactions to allergens or irritants may differ in severity and duration between people.
When it comes to conjunctivitis, the type and severity of symptoms are often more important than how long the condition lasts. Symptoms can range from mild irritation to more severe redness, pain, and discharge.
Babies and children can also suffer from conjunctivitis, and just like adults, the symptoms and triggers may vary greatly. For example, a child may develop conjunctivitis due to a viral infection, whereas an adult might have it due to an allergic reaction.
The symptoms of conjunctivitis are:
Redness or swelling in one or both eyes.
Itching, burning, or a gritty sensation.
Discharge that may cause the eyelids to stick together, especially upon waking.
Watery eyes, often accompanied by light sensitivity.
Crusty or sticky eyelashes, which may be worse in the morning.
A feeling that something is in the eye, without a clear cause.
