Which finding is commonly associated with viral conjunctivitis?

• A. Purulent discharge with crusting
• B. Preauricular lymphadenopathy
• C. Normal vision
• D. Eye stiffness

Answer: (B)

Preauricular lymph node enlargement is a classic clue that conjunctivitis is viral, especially with adenovirus. The eye infection triggers involvement of the regional lymph nodes that drain the ocular surface, leading to tender, palpable preauricular nodes. Viral conjunctivitis typically presents with watery discharge, conjunctival injection, a gritty or irritated sensation, and often accompanying upper respiratory symptoms, with vision usually preserved unless there’s corneal involvement. Purulent crusting or mucopurulent discharge points more toward bacterial conjunctivitis, and eye stiffness isn’t a hallmark feature of viral conjunctivitis.