How to Stop the Spread of Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Pink eye or conjunctivitis is an irritating infection that causes inflammation of the conjunctiva. The transparent membrane covers the sclera and lines the eyelid. Inflammation causes the tiny blood vessels on the conjunctiva to become visible. It results in a reddish or pink appearance that doctors call pink eye.

The disease can be viral or bacterial, and it can also be very infectious. Treatment can help ease the discomfort. However, here are a few points to help avoid it and stop its spread.

Wash Your Hands Often

Washing your hands can often seem like a tedious and unfruitful exercise. But although you may not see the benefits with your eyes, you will experience them. Washing hands removes germs and stops their spread. Thus, you avoid stomach upsets, diarrhea, vomiting, and, in this case, pink eye.

Whether at home, school, or traveling, handwashing protects your health and keeps you from getting pink eye. It will also stop you from spreading it if you have it. You can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after washing your hands. That way, you are sure that your hands are clean.

Avoid Touching and Rubbing Your Eyes

Touching and rubbing your eyes will worsen your condition. It will transfer germs to your hands that you can spread to other people. So, be careful and avoid touching and rubbing your eyes. When you apply ointment or eye drops, ensure you wash your hands. It will help you get rid of any germs that may linger.

Avoid Using the Same Dispenser for Both Eyes

When you use the same eye drop dispenser for both eyes, you risk infecting your noninfected eye. Have two eye droppers and keep them well so you will not confuse them. Also, throw away cotton balls after using them to clean each eye. Avoid using the same cotton ball for both eyes.

Clean your wash clothes with hot water and detergent after using them on your eyes. It will help disinfect them and stop the spread of conjunctivitis.

Change Your Pillowcases Often

Change your pillowcases often and avoid sharing them with other people. Pillowcases are personal items that get close to your eyes. If you share them with people who have pink eye, there is a high chance that you may get the disease. Also, wash your pillowcases with hot water and detergent to disinfect them.

Other personal items you should not share include mascara, makeup brushes, and washcloths. Otherwise, you may have to deal with complications while hoping you do not get the disease.

Cleaning Your Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses

Be careful when cleaning your eyeglasses. Avoid sharing your cleaning clothes with other people. Throw away disposable lenses and cases as soon as you finish using them. You should also avoid reusing contact lens solutions. Pour them out and clean the contact lens case before leaving it to dry. It will help stop the spread of conjunctivitis.

For more information on conjunctivitis or pink eye, call Manheim Family Eye Care at (717) 423-8400 to reach our office in Manheim, Pennsylvania.