How to Prevent Eye Infections: Simple Tips for Healthy Eyes

Eye infections can cause redness, itching, swelling, irritation, and discharge. Fortunately, many common eye infections can be prevented with a few simple daily habits.

If you live in Staten Island, NY and are experiencing symptoms of an eye infection, an eye doctor can determine the cause and recommend the right treatment.

5 Simple Ways to Prevent Eye Infections

1. Wash Your Hands Before Touching Your Eyes

Your hands can carry bacteria and viruses. Wash your hands with soap and water before:

  • Touching or rubbing your eyes

  • Putting in or removing contact lenses

  • Applying eye makeup

  • Using eye drops

2. Don't Share Eye Makeup or Eye Products

Avoid sharing mascara, eyeliner, eye makeup brushes, contact lenses, or eye drops. Sharing these items can spread germs and increase your risk of an eye infection.

Replace old eye makeup regularly, especially mascara and liquid eyeliner.

3. Take Care of Your Contact Lenses

Proper contact lens care is one of the best ways to protect your eyes.

Always:

  • Use fresh contact lens solution

  • Follow your eye doctor's instructions

  • Keep your contact lens case clean

  • Replace lenses and cases as recommended

  • Avoid sleeping in contacts unless your eye doctor has approved it

Never use water or saliva to clean contact lenses.

4. Remove Eye Makeup Before Bed

Leaving makeup on overnight can irritate your eyes and contribute to blocked glands or infection.

Gently remove makeup from your eyelids and lashes every night. Avoid getting makeup remover directly into your eyes.

5. Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes

Itchy eyes can be tempting to rub, but rubbing can transfer germs to your eyes and cause additional irritation.

Instead, wash your hands and use a clean, cool compress if your eyes feel irritated.

When Should You See an Eye Doctor?

Contact an eye doctor if you develop:

  • Persistent eye redness

  • Swelling around the eye

  • Eye pain

  • Yellow or green discharge

  • Increased sensitivity to light

  • Blurred or changing vision

  • Symptoms that are getting worse

Some eye infections can require professional treatment, so don't ignore symptoms that persist or become severe.

Eye Infection Treatment in Staten Island, NY

If you're looking for eye infection treatment in Staten Island, Focus Vision Care provides eye care for patients 

Visit us at 2260 Victory Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10314

Call us at 718-448-1622

Book your eye exam: Focus Vision Care

If you have redness, irritation, swelling, or discharge, schedule an eye exam to find out what's causing your symptoms.

Healthy eyes start with good daily habits. Take care of your eyes, and don't ignore changes in your vision or eye health