Watery drainage is most characteristic of which type of conjunctivitis?

• A. Viral conjunctivitis
• B. Bacterial conjunctivitis
• C. Allergic conjunctivitis
• D. Neonatal conjunctivitis

Answer: (A)

Watery drainage points to a viral conjunctivitis because viruses typically cause a serous, clear or mildly mucoid discharge with accompanying redness and irritation. This type of drainage contrasts with the thick, purulent discharge seen in bacterial conjunctivitis, which crusts the eyelids especially in the morning. Allergic conjunctivitis often involves itching and a watery to mucoid discharge as well, but the hallmark is intense itching and association with other allergy symptoms, usually with both eyes affected. Neonatal conjunctivitis is a distinct newborn condition with discharge patterns that can be purulent if due to gonorrhea or chlamydia, or milder if chemical. So the watery drainage most strongly aligns with a viral cause.