11 symptoms of conjunctivitis (with online test)

Symptoms of conjunctivitis, such as redness, itching, swelling or a feeling of sand in the eyes, appear when inflammation occurs in the eyes due to infection by a virus, bacteria or fungus, which causes irritation in the eyes, affecting the conjunctiva, which is a film thin and transparent covering the eyeball.

Furthermore, the symptoms of conjunctivitis can also arise due to allergies, caused by sensitivity to various substances, products or objects, such as makeup, pollen, dust, contact lenses or eye drops, for example. This type of conjunctivitis, called allergic conjunctivitis, is more common to appear in spring, due to the presence of more pollen or dust in the air.

If symptoms of conjunctivitis appear, it is important to consult an ophthalmologist so that the cause can be diagnosed, the cause can be identified, and the most appropriate treatment can be indicated.

Conjunctivitis symptoms

The main symptoms of conjunctivitis are:

1. Redness in the affected eye;
2. Excessive production of tears;
3. Swelling in the eyelid;
4. Intense itching;
5. Increased sensitivity to light;
6. Presence of thick, yellowish secretion;
7. Eye pain;
8. Difficulty opening the affected eye;
9. Feeling of sand in the eye;
10. Difficulty seeing or blurred vision;
11. Sneezing, runny nose or feeling of a stuffy nose.

These symptoms may vary according to the cause of the conjunctivitis, which may arise due to infection by viruses, bacteria or fungi, or allergies. Learn how to identify the symptoms of allergic, bacterial and viral conjunctivitis.

Therefore, it is important to consult an ophthalmologist whenever symptoms of conjunctivitis appear so that the cause can be identified and the most appropriate treatment indicated.

If you think you may have conjunctivitis, select your symptoms to find out what the chances are:

The symptom test is only a guidance tool and does not serve as a diagnosis or replace a consultation with an ophthalmologist.

Symptoms of conjunctivitis in babies

Conjunctivitis is a very common infection in babies, due to their more immature immune system. In these cases, the symptoms are similar to those in adults and vary in the same way, however, excessive irritability, decreased appetite and low-grade fever may also appear in some cases.

In babies, it is more common for conjunctivitis to appear in both eyes, especially when it is caused by viruses or bacteria, as children normally pass their hand over the itchy eye and then touch the other, transmitting the infection from one eye to the other. other. Understand how conjunctivitis is treated in babies.

What to do in case of conjunctivitis

Whenever symptoms of conjunctivitis appear, it is important to consult an ophthalmologist, in the case of adults, or a pediatrician, in the case of babies and children, to identify the cause and initiate appropriate treatment.

The treatment of conjunctivitis is normally done with the use of eye drops to lubricate or anti-inflammatory and antibiotic ointments, which must be applied directly to the eye to alleviate symptoms and fight infection, if any. However, it may also be necessary to take antihistamine tablets, especially in the case of allergic conjunctivitis. See the main remedies that may be indicated for conjunctivitis.