By – Dr Nikhil Seth, Senior Consultant – Ophthalmology, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Faridabad
Conjunctivitis is a common and infectious eye infection also known as pink eye. Conjunctivitis can be brought on by bacteria, viruses, allergies, or other irritants. Conjunctivitis cannot always be totally avoided. However, there are certain precautions you may take to lessen the chance of contracting or spreading the infection:
1. Maintain proper hygiene by routinely washing your hands with soap and water, particularly before touching your eyes. As touching or rubbing your eyes might spread bacteria from your hands to your eyes, avoid doing so.
2. Don’t share personal items: It can spread if towels, washcloths, pillows, or eye makeup are shared.
3. Keep your hands away from your face and eyes as using unclean hands to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth can spread germs into your eyes and one can get infected.
4. Surfaces that are regularly touched, such as doorknobs, light switches, and electronic gadgets, should be cleaned and disinfected on regular basis.
5. Try to stay away from close contact with infected people if you know someone who has conjunctivitis until the disease has cleared up.
6. Keep your contact lenses clean: If you wear contacts, make sure to clean and store them according to your eye doctor’s recommendations. Except with your eye doctor’s permission, avoid sleeping with your contacts in.
Pink, itchy eyes? Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is common & can be contagious. Avoid rubbing them & wash hands often. http://t.co/xZVZWEJCJo
— CDC (@CDCgov) March 25, 2014
7. Avoid irritants and allergens: If you are aware that you are sensitive to a particular irritant or allergy, attempt to limit your exposure to it. This can lessen the chance of developing allergic conjunctivitis.
8. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, and getting enough sleep can all help you feel better overall, which can lower your chance of acquiring infections like conjunctivitis.
9. Wear protective eyewear if you work in an area where there is a chance of eye damage or exposure to hazardous materials to avoid eye infections.
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It’s critical to consult a doctor or an ophthalmologist if you think you have conjunctivitis or suffer symptoms like redness, irritation, discharge, or pain in your eyes. Based on the type of conjunctivitis you have, your doctor can make a correct diagnosis and suggest the best course of action.