Understanding Conjunctivitis - Symptoms

What Are the Symptoms of Conjunctivitis?

• Burning, itchy eyes that discharge a thick, sticky mucus may indicate bacterial conjunctivitis.
• Copious tears, a swollen lymph node, and a light discharge of mucus from one eye are signs of viral conjunctivitis.  People with viral conjunctivitis often have symptoms of an upper respiratory infection or cold.
• Redness, intense itching, and tears in both eyes may indicate allergic conjunctivitis.
• Inflamed red bumps are usually visible on the underside of the upper eyelid in people with giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC).  Most people affected by GPC wear hard contact lenses.

Call Your Doctor If:

• You physically injured your eye.  Eye injuries can become infected and lead to corneal ulcers, which lead to irreversible vision loss.
• Your eyes become red when you wear contact lenses. Remove the lenses immediately and see your ophthalmologist; you may have a corneal infection.
• The redness in your eye is affecting your vision and is accompanied by severe pain or excessive yellow or green discharge. You may have a bacterial infection.
• Your conjunctivitis frequently recurs or appears to be getting worse after three days of home treatment; you may have a bacterial or viral infection.
• Your newborn baby's eyes are red or produce a discharge.  This may indicate ophthalmia neonatorum, which must be treated immediately to prevent permanent eye damage.