Conjunctivitis First Signs: Causes, Early Symptoms And Treatment Of Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis can be treated easily by detecting the early signs effectively. Click to read about these signs, treatments, and home remedies.
Written by Dr Shreya Sarkar
Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Conjunctivitis is a common eye disease, generally referred to as Pink Eye, caused by a viral infection. It is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the transparent membrane that covers the white part of the eye. Conjunctivitis is easily identified through its common symptoms like redness, discomfort, and discharge from the affected eye. A salient feature of this disease is that it spreads quickly, so identifying it early is important. Additionally, early detection can help alleviate the pain and discomfort. It can also help avoid further complications, and it's spreading to other people.
Causes of Conjunctivitis
There can be several reasons for pink eye. Understanding the causes can help individuals stay safer and take precautions. Here are the major ones:
Viral infections
This is the most common cause of conjunctivitis. The infection is typically caused by adenoviruses. It is highly contagious and can be spread through respiratory droplets and even contaminated surfaces.
Bacterial infections
Bacterial conjunctivitis can be caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pneumoniae. It is characterised by heavy eye discharge and can be contagious.
Allergic reactions
Allergic reactions are another common cause of conjunctivitis. Unlike viral and bacterial versions, allergic reactions can cause infection in both eyes. It can be caused by pollen, dust, or pet dander. It can also be a result of eye injuries that can damage the conjunctiva.
Allergic reactions can result in intense itching, tearing, and inflammation of the eyes. Allergic conjunctivitis is considered quite common and can affect around 20 to 40% of the total conjunctivitis cases.
Early Symptoms of Conjunctivitis
Understanding the early symptoms of conjunctivitis can help people take the proper treatment options. Here are the prevalent ones:
- Redness in the Eye: Redness is the most common and one of the initial signs of conjunctivitis. It can happen because of inflammation in the eye membrane or the dilation of the blood vessels.
- Watery Eyes: Excessive tearing is another first sign of pink eye. Watery eyes are common in viral and allergic conjunctivitis. These symptoms can also result in temporary blurriness in vision.
- Itchy Sensation: As a first sign, people may also feel an intense urge to rub the eye. This should also be a common sign of conjunctivitis, particularly viral conjunctivitis. This itchiness can spread the disease further and cause a lot of discomfort. Symptoms such as sensitivity to light and a sand-like feeling in the eye are also common.
Differences in Symptoms by Type
Different types of pink eye issues can exhibit different symptoms. So, understanding these symptoms can be helpful in getting the right treatment options. Here is more on that:
Viral Conjunctivitis Symptoms
Viral conjunctivitis is mostly caused by adenoviruses and is highly contagious. Some common symptoms are:
- Watery discharge from the eyes
- Redness and irritation in one or both eyes
- Grittiness or a foreign body sensation
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Swelling of the eyelids
- Possible cold or respiratory symptoms, such as a sore throat or runny nose
Bacterial Conjunctivitis Symptoms
Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by bacterial infections, often leading to more severe symptoms compared to viral conjunctivitis. Key symptoms include:
- Thick, yellow, or greenish discharge that may cause eyelids to stick together, especially in the morning
Redness and inflammation in the eyes - Swelling of the eyelids
- A gritty or burning sensation
- Mild pain or discomfort
- Possible involvement of both eyes, though it may start in one
Allergic Conjunctivitis Symptoms
Allergic conjunctivitis is triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust, or pet dander and is not contagious. Major symptoms include:
- Intense itching and irritation in both eyes
- Redness and watery discharge
- Puffy eyelids are often more pronounced in the morning
- Sneezing, runny nose, or other allergy symptoms
- Sensitivity to environmental triggers like dust, smoke, or pollen
Diagnostic Methods for Conjunctivitis
There are several methods of diagnosing conjunctivitis. The primary one is visiting an eye specialist for a thorough check-up. The doctors usually check for visual symptoms, and for confirmation, they conduct the slit-lamp exam.
On the other hand, in the case of viral and bacterial infections, a swab test is generally performed. It helps doctors understand the bacteria behind this issue and neutralise it with the right treatment.
Risk Factors and Prevention
Conjunctivitis is a very common ailment and can be treated easily enough. However, understanding the risk factors can help with prevention. There are a few risk groups where the disease has been observed to be extremely common. One of the major target groups is children in school and day care settings. People with a compromised immune system may also be at a greater risk of contracting the disease. People who often touch their eyes also remain at a higher risk of contracting this disease.
Nevertheless, there are a few proper measures one can take to prevent the spread of the disease:
- Hand Hygiene: Proper hand hygiene can help people stay safer from the disease. Washing hands frequently and using clean towels are necessary.
- Avoid old eye makeup and solutions: Throw away the old eye makeup. Also, never share eye cosmetics with others.
- Avoid allergens: Stay away from the allergens that cause this issue.
Treatment Options
The treatment of conjunctivitis typically depends on its causes and symptoms. Proper diagnosis can help people treat the symptoms appropriately. Usually, doctors suggest several medications based on the causes and severity of the disease. Experts prescribe antibacterial medications for bacterial infections, antiviral drugs for virus-related infections, and antihistamines for allergy-related symptoms.
Simultaneously, home remedies can provide individuals with the proper relief from the symptoms of conjunctivitis. Here is what they can do:
- Using warm compresses helps alleviate the discomfort. It can even help people reduce swelling
In the case of dry eyes, one can use artificial tears to treat the issues. - Never use home remedies like milk or honey directly into the eye. It can worsen the symptoms and can cause further complications.
Potential Complications if Left Untreated
If someone leaves the conjunctivitis without treatment, they may run the risk of potential complications, including:
- Corneal inflammation
- Loss of vision
- Blindness
- Trachoma
- Scarring
Additionally, conjunctivitis is contagious. Leaving it untreated increases the risk of spreading the disease to the community, which can be quite dangerous in schools and workplaces.
Conclusion
Recognising the symptoms and first signs of conjunctivitis can help avoid the spread of the disease. The primary signs of the disease include redness, watery eyes, and itchiness. Proper knowledge of these symptoms can help people undertake the right treatment. Also, timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications, reduce discomfort, and minimise the spread of the condition. So, remembering the crucial details can help individuals fight off this eye problem and lead a healthy life.
Consult Top Ophthalmologist
Consult Top Ophthalmologist
Dr. Padmini S
Ophthalmologist
4 Years • MBBS,MS
Bengaluru
Apollo Medical Center, Marathahalli, Bengaluru
Dr. S Venkateswaran
Ophthalmologist
35 Years • MBBS, PGD (OPTHALMOLOGY)
Tiruvannamalai
Shiva Eye And General Hospital, Tiruvannamalai
Dr. Harshavardhan Reddy
Ophthalmologist
3 Years • MBBS , MS (Ophthalmology)
Hyderabad
Ram Dev Rao Hospital, Hyderabad
Dr. Akashdipta Saha
Ophthalmologist
4 Years • MBBS, MD(Ophthalmology), Fellowship in Retina & Vitreous
Delhi
AIIMS, Delhi
Dr. K Sreekumar Reddy
Ophthalmologist
26 Years • MBBS MD (Ophthalmology) EGESTOLP
Hyderabad
Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad
(25+ Patients)