What is conjunctivitis commonly known as?

Conjunctivitis is commonly known as "pink eye" due to the characteristic redness that occurs in the conjunctiva, the membrane covering the front of the eye. When inflammation develops, the small blood vessels in the conjunctiva become more visible, giving the white part of the eye a pink or reddish appearance. This common term is widely recognized and used by both healthcare professionals and the public when referring to this condition.

The other options relate to different eye conditions or symptoms. "Dry eye" refers to a lack of adequate lubrication on the eye's surface, often leading to irritation and discomfort. "Blurred vision" describes a symptom that can be associated with numerous eye issues, including incorrect prescriptions or ocular diseases, rather than a specific disease like conjunctivitis. "Eye strain" usually results from prolonged use of digital devices or reading without adequate breaks, leading to discomfort but not relating to the inflammation represented by conjunctivitis. Therefore, the terminology surrounding conjunctivitis is distinctly captured by the label "pink eye."