Viral Conjunctivitis: Symptoms, Causes & Associated Illnesses

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is an inflammation and infection of the outer-most layer of the eye. Most types are viral, allergic or bacterial. Symptoms can vary a bit depending on the cause of infection.

Upper Respiratory Tract Symptoms

• Viral conjunctivitis is frequently associated with an upper respiratory tract infection, with symptoms of runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing or sore throat. The person may also have swollen lymph nodes around the neck or ear.

Asymmetry

• The infection may start in one eye and then spread to the other, but usually affects both eyes fairly quickly. One eye may have worse symptoms than the other.

Eye Sensations

• Viral conjunctivitis causes eyes to become red, with irritation, gritty sensations, discomfort and itchiness.

Eye Discharge

• Tearing and watery discharge are common signs of conjunctivitis, sometimes with tears leaking from the eyes. The discharge might be yellow or greenish, and can cause eyelids to stick together after sleeping.

Duration

• Viral conjunctivitis can last for several days up to three weeks. Symptoms are similar to bacterial conjunctivitis, but that type can be treated with antibiotic eye drops, and thus clears up much faster.