How to Prevent Red Eye Infection?

Ways on Preventing Red Eyes

This involves several key practices:

• Keep your hands clean and wash them regularly.

• Don’t rub or touch your eyes too much.

• Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, washcloths, or pillows.

• Clean your contact lenses regularly, and don’t wear them for long hours.

• Don’t forget to remove your eye makeup before going to bed.

• Keep your eyes protected from dust, smoke, and other allergens as they can cause discomfort to the eyes.

• Avoid swimming in pools that may be contaminated with bacteria or viruses.

• In case of mildew and moisture build-up in your place, use a dehumidifier.

• Reduce your screen time as much as possible. Take a 20-minute break after watching the screen for 2 hours to protect your eyes.

• Avoid close contact if you or someone close to you has an eye infection.

• Control pest infestations as much as possible. Flies are carriers of trachoma, a condition that causes scarring of the eye. If left untreated, it can cause blindness as well. So, you must adopt proper pest control methods in your home.

• In case of damage to the eye due to injuries, accidents, fungal infections, and conjunctivitis, seek medical help right away.

Treatment Options

• Home remedies –

Ample rest, warm or cold compresses over the affected eyes, gentle massage, and thorough washing of the eyes can provide relief.

• Over-the-counter (OTC) medications –

Pharmacist-recommended eye drops to treat the red eye infection based on the triggers causing it may alleviate discomfort.

• Medical Treatment –

Doctors may prescribe ointments, specialised eye drops, and antibiotics.

FAQs

1. When your eyes become red, does it mean that they are infected?

No, red eyes don’t mean infection by default. Rubbing of eyes, too much exposure to sunlight, allergic reactions, and other medical conditions can also lead to redness of the eye.

2. How long do the symptoms of a red eye infection last?

In the case of conjunctivitis (pink eye infection), the infection can last up to a week when you take proper medications. However, in other cases, the duration of redness may depend on the severity of the condition.