What are the typical symptoms of viral conjunctivitis?

The typical symptoms of viral conjunctivitis primarily include watery discharge, redness, and itchiness. This condition is commonly caused by viral infections, such as adenoviruses, and results in a more serous or watery secretion rather than a thick discharge, which is often associated with bacterial conjunctivitis. The redness occurs due to the inflammation of the conjunctiva, while itching is a common symptom that reflects the irritation associated with the viral infection.

The presence of tears, along with these symptoms, helps differentiate viral conjunctivitis from other types. In contrast to options that suggest painful discharge or structural changes like protrusion of the eyeball, viral conjunctivitis primarily affects the surface of the eye without causing significant pain or changes in eye positioning. Similarly, while visual disturbances and sensitivity to light can accompany various ocular conditions, they are not typical presentations of viral conjunctivitis. Thus, the combination of watery discharge, redness, and itchiness aligns effectively with the classic symptoms of this viral infection.