Which inflammation affects the conjunctiva and is commonly known as pink eye?

Conjunctivitis is indeed the correct answer as it specifically refers to the inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the thin membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelids and covers the white part of the eyeball. When this membrane becomes inflamed, it can lead to symptoms such as redness, irritation, and discharge, which give rise to the common term "pink eye."

Conjunctivitis can be caused by various factors, including infections (viral or bacterial), allergens, or irritants. The characteristic redness is due to the dilation of blood vessels in response to the inflammation. The public commonly notices these symptoms, which is why the condition is often referred to colloquially as pink eye.

In contrast, conditions such as blepharitis primarily affect the eyelids, involving inflammation of the eyelid margins; corneal ulcers are localized infections or inflammation affecting the cornea, not the conjunctiva; and dry eye syndrome relates to insufficient tear production or poor tear quality, leading to discomfort rather than direct inflammation of the conjunctival tissue.