What is the discharge type most characteristic of bacterial conjunctivitis?

• A. Clear discharge
• B. Purulent or mucopurulent discharge with eyelid crusting
• C. Mucoid discharge
• D. Bloody discharge

Answer: (B)

Discharge produced by the infection is thick and pus-like, often yellow-green, and tends to crust the eyelashes and eyelids, especially after sleep. That purulent or mucopurulent discharge with eyelid crusting is a hallmark of bacterial conjunctivitis because bacteria shed a lot of neutrophils and debris into the tear film, forming a sticky, contagious discharge that dries into noticeable crusts.

In contrast, viral conjunctivitis more commonly shows watery or lightly mucoid discharge and tends to have other viral symptoms; allergic conjunctivitis usually has itching and a ropy, stringy mucus rather than thick pus. Bloody discharge is not typical of conjunctivitis and suggests trauma or a vascular issue rather than a simple infectious conjunctivitis.