What symptom is characteristic of viral conjunctivitis?

Viral conjunctivitis, often referred to as "pink eye," is characterized by a sticky, watery discharge. This type of discharge is a result of the body's immune response to the viral infection, which leads to an increase in tears and mucus production. The discharge is typically more watery than the purulent (thick) discharge seen in bacterial conjunctivitis, making it a distinctive feature of viral infections.

In addition to the watery discharge, viral conjunctivitis usually presents with other symptoms like redness and irritation of the eye, which further support the diagnosis. It’s important to note that while the condition may lead to some degree of crusting of the eyelids upon waking due to the discharge, the prominent feature distinguishing it is the watery nature of the discharge itself.

Other symptoms mentioned in the choices, such as chronic eye itchiness or swelling around the eyes, may occur, but they are not as definitive in identifying viral conjunctivitis. Redness without discharge might be associated with some types of conjunctivitis, but the presence of a sticky, watery discharge is a clearer indicator of a viral cause.