What are common symptoms of conjunctivitis?

The symptoms of conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, often include redness, itching, swelling, and discharge. These symptoms arise due to inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the clear tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid and covers the white part of the eyeball. The redness occurs when blood vessels become inflamed, and symptoms like itching and swelling are associated with the irritation of the conjunctiva. Discharge can vary depending on the type of conjunctivitis; for example, bacterial conjunctivitis often produces a thicker discharge, while viral conjunctivitis may generate a watery secretion.

In contrast, blurred vision and headaches are not typical indicators of conjunctivitis but may relate to other ocular or neurological conditions. Dark spots in vision could signify retinal issues, while halos around lights often pertain to problems with the cornea or intraocular pressure, neither of which are common symptoms of conjunctivitis. Thus, recognizing the hallmark signs of conjunctivitis helps in diagnosing and treating the condition effectively.