What is the primary diagnosis for a child showing signs of eye irritation and drainage?

The presence of eye irritation and drainage in a child is most commonly associated with conjunctivitis, which is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane that lines the eyelid and covers the white part of the eyeball. This condition often presents with symptoms such as redness, swelling, and discharge from the eye, which can vary in consistency depending on whether the conjunctivitis is viral or bacterial.

Conjunctivitis is typically characterized by the drainage that may be watery or purulent and is often accompanied by discomfort or itching. In children, this can be especially relevant as they are more prone to infectious causes due to close contact with other children and involvement in activities that can lead to irritants entering the eye.

Other conditions listed, such as amblyopia, nystagmus, and ocular herpes, do not primarily present with irritation and drainage from the eye. Amblyopia refers to a developmental issue with vision in one eye and does not involve drainage or irritation. Nystagmus is characterized by involuntary eye movements and does not typically cause irritation or drainage. Ocular herpes may present with symptoms like redness and discomfort, but it usually comes with more severe symptoms and can lead to complications if not treated promptly—making it less likely to be the