Most people don’t think much about pink eyes and how to prevent pink eye until their eye starts to itch, turn red. And they catch themselves blinking at the mirror, trying to figure out if it’s just allergies or something else.
And in case you have ever had conjunctivitis, you also know that it is not a good time in your life. Wrong. So, what are some practical and realistic ways you can actually prevent pink eye and avoid catching it?
What Is Pink Eye?
Conjunctivitis (Pink eye) is an inflammation of the thin covering of the surface of your eye (conjunctiva), which makes your eye appear red, watery, and (usually) gritty or itchy.
It may be caused by viruses, bacteria, or even allergies, as stated by the CDC. It can be mild and sometimes contagious, and that is when prevention is very important.
What is the Importance of Prevention?
Pink eyes spread faster than we often realize. Fast. You may lose your job, your child may be at home, and days will pass with an itchy, wet eye. Moreover, one may worsen the situation by rubbing his /her eyes, which will result in additional infection. It is easier to avoid it when you have the option.
Hand Hygiene
Wash hands. Yes, we are told all the time, yet in the case of prevention of pink eye, it is the first line of defense. CDC has shown that you can minimize the transmission of viruses that cause pink eye or bacteria by having clean areas with soap and water to wash your hands regularly.
In the case of a contact lens user, you should wash your hands properly before working on them. You should not rub or touch your eyes during the day. It is a small habit, but the one that can make a difference most of the time.
Wash and Change Contact Lenses Correctly
Careless handling of contacts will provide a breeding habitat for bacteria.
The American Optometric Association advises that your eye doctor will tell you how to clean and replace contact lenses and what solutions to use.
Also, a person is not supposed to sleep in contact lenses unless it has been prescribed.
In case you sense discomfort with lenses, or your eye appears red, take them off, put on eyeglasses, and make sure that you review the condition as soon as possible.
Do not Share Personal Items
It might not sound like a lot, but giving out towels, pillowcases, makeup, or even eye drops might also transfer pink eye, and it is not an exception when it comes to the viral or bacterial type.
The CDC does not recommend sharing personal items that contact with your eyes or face.
In case one member of your household has pink eyes, you can use individual towels and pillowcases and wash them regularly with hot water. However, it appears to be a burden, but it is a reasonable move in curbing the spread.
Maintain a Surfaces Clean
It’s easy to forget that we touch a lot of things before touching our faces.
Additionally, according to AllinaHealth, cleaning commonly touched items like bathroom fixtures, countertops, and knobs and handles might help prevent the transmission of germs caused by pink eye.
Avoid Touching or Rubbing Your Eye
It is difficult but necessary. However, when you rub your eyes, chances are likely to transfer bacteria or viruses into your eyes, especially after touching objects that are not perfectly clean.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends cleaning your eye with a tissue, in case you must do it, but always be sure to clean your hands thoroughly right afterwards.
When to Seek Medical Care
Prevention would be best, but in case you see redness, which does not reduce, develop light sensitivity, or experience pain in your eye, you should go to a doctor.
According to Allina Health, Dr.Ingham concludes that it is advisable that in case you have a problem that takes longer than a couple of days or the vision is involved, then you can seek an ocular check-up immediately.
Certain forms of pink eye necessitate some prescription medicine, and they mostly include the bacterial pink eye, which can necessitate antibiotic eye drops.
What About Kids?
Pink eye spreads easily in schools and daycares mainly because children are in close physical contact and often don’t wash their hands regularly.
The most important prevention measures are teaching them not to rub their eyes, to wash their hands after playing with other toys, and to stay home when they have symptoms.
One of the points that CDC and Allina Health highlight is that timely measures will help avoid school and household outbreaks
Worried About Pink Eye?
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as well as in Missouri,
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