Symptoms of adenoviral conjunctivitis

The eyelids may become puffy, and burning, irritation or a feeling of sand in the eye can occur. Discharge is generally watery or slightly sticky rather than persistently thick. Tender glands near the ear, sore throat, runny nose, cough or fever can accompany the eye symptoms.

Adenoviral infection often starts in one eye and spreads to the other, but that sequence does not confirm the cause. Allergy often produces prominent itching in both eyes, while thick discharge can point towards bacterial infection. Irritation, a foreign body, dry eye and corneal inflammation can also produce redness and watering.

Vision may seem briefly smeared by tears or surface discharge and then clear after blinking. Persistent blur, true loss of vision, substantial pain or pronounced sensitivity to light is not a routine comfort-care symptom and calls for closer examination.

Apply a clean cool compress and consider preservative-free lubricating drops after checking they are suitable for you. Wipe secretions gently with clean single-use material, moving away from the eye, then wash your hands. Use separate towels and pillowcases, avoid eye makeup, and do not share drops.

Remove contact lenses at the first sign of redness or discomfort. Do not put them back until the eye has recovered and you have followed advice on replacing or disinfecting lenses, cases and solutions. Antibiotic drops will not relieve a purely adenoviral infection, and steroid drops should only be used under specialist supervision.

Get urgent eye care for persistent vision change, severe pain, intense light sensitivity, inability to open the eye, a cloudy spot over the coloured part of the eye, chemical exposure or penetrating injury. A painful red eye in someone who wears contact lenses also needs prompt examination.

Arrange medical review when swelling spreads around the eye, symptoms keep worsening, thick pus repeatedly seals the lids, or illness is affecting a newborn or someone with reduced immunity. Emergency help is needed if facial swelling is accompanied by breathing difficulty or collapse.

Describe which eye started first, the discharge texture, any vision change, pain or light sensitivity, contact-lens use, recent respiratory illness and close contacts with red eyes. Ask whether the cornea is affected and what specific change should trigger reassessment.