Which finding is commonly associated with bacterial conjunctivitis?

• A. Severe photophobia
• B. Normal visual acuity
• C. Eyelid crusting with purulent discharge
• D. Preauricular lymphadenopathy

Answer: (C)

Bacterial conjunctivitis is best recognized by a mucopurulent discharge that clings to the lashes and crusts the eyelids, especially after sleeping. This purulent discharge comes from the infected conjunctival glands and is the hallmark feature that sets it apart from other forms of conjunctivitis. Vision is typically preserved because the condition mainly involves the surface tissues, not the cornea. Severe photophobia would point to corneal involvement rather than simple conjunctivitis, so it’s not characteristic of the bacterial form. Normal visual acuity can occur, but it doesn’t define the infection and can be seen in many non-corneal eye issues. Preauricular lymphadenopathy is more commonly associated with viral conjunctivitis, where lymph node swelling accompanies the infection. Altogether, eyelid crusting with purulent discharge is the classic finding for bacterial conjunctivitis.