How to Prevent Common Eye Infections

As the weather begins to change and cold wind starts to pick up, your eyes can be exposed to harmful conditions and potential eye infections. Individuals who experience redness, itchiness, or piercing eye pain may have a common eye infection. Our doctors are always willing to help provide relief and identify treatment solutions.

Avoid Touching Your Eyes

Even if you wash your hands frequently, your fingers are just as likely to spread infection as any other object. Limit the spread of bacteria and other viruses by keeping your hands away from your face and eyes. Remember to wash your hands frequently for a minimum of 20 seconds.

Keep Your Glasses and Towels Clean

Glasses may not come in direct contact with your eyes, but they do carry germs and other bacteria that can harm your vision. When cleaning your glasses, gently rub both sides of the lens with a lint-free cloth. Dirt trapped into the towel may scratch or smear your lenses!

Don’t Share Cosmetics or Applicators

As gross as it may sound, bacteria and other fungi may live in your makeup brushes. Keep your eyes from infection by cleaning your cosmetic applicators often. Never share your makeup brushes and toss out old products that have expired.

Take a Break from Contacts

Wearing contacts overnight can increase your risk of an eye infection. To properly take care of your eyes, take a break from wearing contacts and clean them with eye solution. Cleaning your contacts prevents the spread of bacteria and other germs from entering your eyes.

Kinds of Infections and How They Spread

The majority of eye infections are caused by a virus, a fungus, or a bacteria. If you’ve been exposed to any of these pathogens and rub your eyes afterward, you could develop symptoms of mild to extreme itching or stinging eyes. Some patients can form eye infections more often if they regularly wear contacts. Though many infections are treatable with non-prescription remedies, patients should be aware of preventable measures to keep their eyes healthy.

Common kinds of eye infections include:

• Pink eye 
• Corneal ulcers
• Chalazia
• Uveitis

If you develop an eye infection, we encourage you to see a vision professional as soon as possible. Attend our FREE Vision Webinar on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. CST to learn more about common eye infections and preventative measures.