Which symptom is typically associated with conjunctivitis?

Eye irritation is a hallmark symptom of conjunctivitis, commonly referred to as pink eye. This condition involves inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane that lines the eyelid and covers the white part of the eyeball. Individuals with conjunctivitis often experience redness, itching, and discomfort in the eye, due to the inflammation and irritation of this membrane.

The presence of other eye symptoms such as tearing or discharge can also accompany eye irritation, reinforcing the diagnosis. Unlike general systemic symptoms such as fever, back pain, or nausea, which are not directly related to the eye's surface or the conjunctiva, eye irritation is specific and primary to the condition of conjunctivitis, illustrating the impact of the inflammation on the sensory nerves in the region.