Treating and Preventing Eye Disease
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Preventing
Eye Infections
Eye infections are conditions which affect people of
all ages, commonly caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. Without
treatment, even common and benign infections may progress to a point where they
are capable of permanently damaging your vision. By following a basic eye
care regimen, you can effectively prevent harmful infections. If you
suspect that you may have an eye infection, make an appointment with a certified
eye care specialist to receive a professional diagnosis. The earlier the
infection is diagnosed, the better the chances for a full recovery.
There are many different types of eye infections, each
with different causes and different symptoms. The eye is a sensitive organ
which comes into contact with pathogens on a daily basis. Eye infections may
also develop after trauma, surgeries, or when your immune system is weakened by
a virus or disease that isn’t directly related to the eyes. Because your eyes
are vulnerable, it’s important to remain proactive. Follow these basic eye
infection prevention tips to avoid common conditions such as conjunctivitis
(pink eye), blepharitis, and styes.
Eye
Infection Prevention Tips
Eye infections are most commonly spread when you come
into contact with the drainage of an infected eye. If you rub or touch your
eyes after coming into contact with drainage, the infection is easily passed
along. To prevent this from happening, maintain good hygiene at all times,
especially if someone you know is currently suffering from an infection.
- Wash your
hands on a daily basis, especially before touching your eyes, putting in
contact lenses, or taking eye medicines.
- Do not share
eye makeup with anyone.
- Thoroughly
clean your lenses before you put them back in your eyes. Avoid “topping
up” solution instead of replacing it.
- If your eye
infection was caused by bacteria, throw away an eye makeup you were using
prior to the infection and purchase new products. Do not use eye makeup
until your eye infection is completely healed, otherwise you risk re-infecting
the eye.
- Do not share
contact lenses, lens solution, cases, or cleaning products with anyone.
- If you
experience an infection, remove your contact lenses until it heals. When
you are ready to put them back in, make sure to clean them thoroughly and
purchase a new contact case to avoid re-infection.
- Use only clean
linens, towels, and washcloths, and avoid sharing these items whenever
possible.
- If you are
helping someone else to apply eye medicine or find an irritant in their
eye, make sure to wear protective gloves and wash your hands thoroughly
after contact.
- Avoid
unnecessary irritation by wearing glasses in inclement weather, especially
when it is windy, cold, or hot.
- Make sure to
wear safety glasses in all environments that require them, especially when
working with chemicals.
Many of the most common eye infections are treated by
medicated eye drops or oral antibiotics. The course of treatment will depend
upon the infection you have contracted, and should be coordinated by an
experienced professional who will be able to save you time, discomfort, and
money. However, by following these simple guidelines, you can dramatically
reduce the risk of infection in the first place. Preventative measures now are
preferable to damage control later on!
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