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

How should I store my contact lenses overnight?

If you wear contact lenses, taking care of them is super important. One of the most common questions people ask is: How should I store my contact lenses overnight? Don’t worry, we focus vision care got you covered! 

Here’s a simple guide to help you keep your lenses clean and your eyes healthy.

1. Wash Your Hands First

Before touching your lenses, always wash your hands with soap and water. Dry them with a clean towel. This helps keep dirt and germs away from your eyes.

2. Use Fresh Contact Lens Solution

Never reuse old solutions. Always pour out the used liquid from your case and refill it with a fresh contact lens solution. This helps kill germs and keeps your lenses clean.

Important: Don’t use water to clean or store your lenses. Only use the solution recommended by your eye doctor.

3. Clean Your Lenses (If Needed)

Some lenses need to be rubbed and rinsed before storing. Check your lens solution bottle, some are “no-rub,” but others need a quick clean.

If rubbing is needed:

• Put the lens in your palm.

• Add a few drops of solution.

• Gently rub it with your finger for 10-15 seconds.

• Rinse with more solution.

4. Store Lenses in a Clean Case

Put each lens in its own side of the contact lens case (right and left). Fill each side with fresh solution until the lenses are fully covered. Close the case tightly.

Tip: Replace your lens case every 1-3 months to avoid bacteria buildup.

5. Let Them Soak Overnight

Your lenses need to soak for several hours (check the bottle for exact time). This allows the solution to disinfect them fully. By morning, they’ll be clean, comfortable, and ready to wear again.

Bonus Tips

• Follow the wear schedule for your lenses (daily, bi-weekly, monthly).

• Don’t sleep in lenses unless your doctor says it’s okay.

• Always carry extra solutions when traveling.

• See your eye doctor regularly.

The Bottom Line

Taking care of your contact lenses doesn’t have to be hard. 

Just remember: wash your hands, use fresh solution, clean and store them properly, and soak them overnight. 

Your Eyes will Thank You!

At Focus Vision Care, we specialize in contact lens fittings, comfort, and eye health. Whether you're new to lenses or a long-time wearer, we're here to make sure your eyes stay healthy and your vision stays sharp.

Schedule your appointment today:
Located at 2260 Victory Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10314
Call us at 718 448 1622
Book online at https://www.focusvisioncare.com/