Conjunctivitis, commonly called pink eye, is one of the most frequent reasons people seek urgent care or call their child’s school. This condition occurs when the thin tissue covering the white part of the eye and inner eyelid becomes inflamed, leading to discomfort and disruption in daily life.
The challenge for many patients is recognizing which type of conjunctivitis they have and knowing when it is safe to remain at home or when medical attention is necessary. Conjunctivitis symptoms often include redness, tearing, irritation, and discharge, but they vary depending on whether the cause is viral, bacterial, or allergic.
As physicians, we want to help patients understand these differences and make informed choices. Equally important, we provide documentation such as a doctor’s note for school or a doctor’s note for work online when illness prevents attendance.
What Is Conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis, widely known as pink eye, is the inflammation of the conjunctiva — the thin, transparent membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. This delicate tissue helps protect and lubricate the eye, but when it becomes irritated or infected, it produces the hallmark signs patients often notice right away.
The most common conjunctivitis symptoms include eye redness, swelling, itching, burning, tearing, and a gritty sensation, as if sand were trapped in the eye. Depending on the cause, there may also be discharge that is watery, thick, or sticky, which can make the eyelids difficult to open, particularly in the morning. In some cases, light sensitivity may also develop, making normal daily tasks uncomfortable.
Although conjunctivitis is usually mild, its impact can be significant. Children may need to stay home from school, and adults often have to miss work. For this reason, many patients require a doctor’s note for work online or school documentation to explain their absence. Understanding what conjunctivitis is — and which type is causing the symptoms — is the first step in determining whether rest, medication, or further evaluation is necessary.
· Viral Conjunctivitis
Viral conjunctivitis is the most common form of pink eye and is typically caused by adenoviruses, the same group of viruses responsible for colds and respiratory infections. Because it spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, or direct contact with contaminated hands, this type is particularly common in schools, workplaces, and households.
The hallmark conjunctivitis symptoms of viral infection include watery discharge, red eyes, and a gritty or burning sensation. Unlike bacterial conjunctivitis, the discharge is usually clear or slightly mucous-like rather than thick. Some patients also develop sensitivity to light, which can make activities such as reading or using digital devices uncomfortable. Viral conjunctivitis often begins in one eye before spreading to the other.
This form of conjunctivitis does not typically respond to antibiotics, as the infection is viral rather than bacterial. Treatment focuses on symptom relief: frequent handwashing, avoiding eye rubbing, applying cool compresses, and using lubricating eye drops for comfort. Patients should also avoid sharing towels, cosmetics, or pillowcases to limit the spread of infection.
Because viral pink eye is contagious, patients are often asked to remain at home until the redness and tearing improve. Adults who miss work can easily request a doctor’s excuse online to verify their absence, while students may need formal school documentation. Most cases resolve within one to two weeks, but persistent or worsening symptoms should always prompt medical evaluation to rule out more serious eye conditions.
· Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Bacterial conjunctivitis is less common than the viral form but can be more disruptive. It is often caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Haemophilus influenzae. This type of infection is also contagious and spreads quickly in environments where people are in close contact.
The classic conjunctivitis symptoms of bacterial infection include redness, irritation, and most notably, thick yellow, green, or white discharge. The discharge may crust overnight, leaving the eyelids stuck together in the morning. Patients often describe a gritty sensation in the eye, blurred vision from the discharge, and increased tearing.
Unlike viral conjunctivitis, bacterial conjunctivitis frequently requires medical treatment with antibiotic eye drops or ointments to shorten the course of infection and prevent complications. Without treatment, it can persist longer and potentially cause damage to the eye’s surface. While awaiting care, patients should continue practicing good hygiene — washing hands, avoiding shared items, and changing pillowcases daily.
Because bacterial conjunctivitis is highly contagious, staying home is important until treatment has started and symptoms begin to improve, usually within 24 to 48 hours of antibiotics. In these cases, our physicians can provide a real doctor’s note for work or a doctor’s note for school, ensuring your absence is properly explained. Having documentation is especially valuable when multiple days off are required, or when employers or schools request confirmation from a physician.
· Allergic Conjunctivitis
Not all pink eye is caused by infection. Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when the immune system reacts to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mold. Unlike viral and bacterial forms, it is not contagious and cannot be spread to others.
Typical conjunctivitis symptoms in allergic cases include intense itching, redness, watery eyes, and eyelid swelling. Patients often notice these symptoms flare seasonally — during spring or fall pollen surges — or in response to specific triggers like pets or household dust. Unlike infectious conjunctivitis, discharge is usually watery rather than thick or sticky, and symptoms often occur in both eyes simultaneously.
Treatment focuses on reducing exposure to allergens and relieving symptoms with antihistamine eye drops, oral allergy medications, or cold compresses. Because this type is not contagious, patients can usually continue attending work or school, but severe cases may still interfere with daily responsibilities. When symptoms are disruptive enough to prevent participation, our team can issue a medical certificate for leave, giving patients the time they need to recover comfortably without unnecessary stress.
When to Stay Home
Deciding when to stay home with pink eye depends largely on the type and severity of the illness. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are contagious and should be managed with caution. Patients should remain home until symptoms like redness, tearing, and discharge improve to avoid spreading the infection to coworkers, classmates, or family members. Children in particular should stay out of school until cleared by a physician or until their symptoms subside.
In contrast, allergic conjunctivitis does not pose a risk to others, so patients may continue daily activities if they feel well enough. However, severe cases with significant discomfort, swelling, or light sensitivity may still make it difficult to function at work or school.
Severe conjunctivitis symptoms — such as changes in vision, severe pain, swelling around the eyes, or fever — always require prompt medical evaluation. These warning signs may indicate a more serious condition that should not be managed at home.
When patients do need time away, official documentation helps ease communication with employers or educators. Options include an online sick note for work, for school, or even FMLA certification if extended leave is required due to recurrent or complicated eye conditions. Our physicians make these processes simple, ensuring that recovery is supported and responsibilities are respected.
Managing Conjunctivitis with Confidence
Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, may seem like a minor irritation, but understanding its causes and recognizing different conjunctivitis symptoms is key to safe and effective care. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis require time away from others to prevent spreading infection, while allergic conjunctivitis, though not contagious, can still disrupt daily life.
At My Dr’s Note, our board-certified physicians provide both medical guidance and the documentation patients often need. Whether it’s a doctor’s note for work, a doctor’s note for school, or formal FMLA certification for extended leave, we help make the recovery process less stressful and more secure.
If you or your family are experiencing pink eye, we encourage you to visit our website, connect with our team, and learn how we can support your health and daily responsibilities with trusted medical expertise.
