What is the suspected condition for a 21-year-old college student with copious purulent discharge from her left eye?

In this case, the presence of copious purulent discharge from the left eye strongly suggests gonococcal conjunctivitis. This condition, caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria, is characterized by a thick, yellow-green discharge and often occurs in sexually active individuals, particularly those under 25 years old who may be at higher risk for sexually transmitted infections.

Immediate recognition is important because gonococcal conjunctivitis can lead to serious complications, such as corneal ulcers, and may also indicate systemic infection. The profuse nature of the discharge is a key clinical feature distinguishing this condition from others.

Viral conjunctivitis typically presents with watery discharge and may also be accompanied by other symptoms such as a cold or respiratory issues. Allergic conjunctivitis usually results in a stringy discharge with associated itching and redness, while chlamydial conjunctivitis tends to have a more moderate purulent discharge compared to gonococcal conjunctivitis.