Which complaint is commonly associated with viral conjunctivitis?

Viral conjunctivitis is commonly characterized by red, itchy eyes. This inflammation of the conjunctiva, often caused by viral infections such as adenoviruses, typically leads to symptoms that include redness due to increased blood flow and vascularity in the conjunctival tissue. Itching is also prevalent as the body reacts to the viral infection, stimulating the itch receptors in the conjunctiva.

In contrast, purulent eye discharge is more indicative of bacterial conjunctivitis, which features a thicker, yellow or green discharge. Severe pain is usually associated with conditions such as acute glaucoma, uveitis, or corneal abrasions—overlapping symptoms that are not typical of viral conjunctivitis. Vision disturbances may occur in cases where there is significant swelling or additional complications but are not a common primary symptom of viral conjunctivitis itself. The hallmark symptoms focus primarily on redness and itching, making the characteristic complaint of red, itchy eyes the most accurate representation of viral conjunctivitis.