AskDocDoc
/
/
/
how to prevent eye infection
FREE!Ask Doctors — 24/7
Connect with Doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
500 doctors ONLINE
#1 Medical Platform
Ask question for free
00H : 00M : 15S
background image
Click Here
background image
Eye & Vision Disorders
Question #24239
45 days ago
86

how to prevent eye infection - #24239

Vedant

I am really worried about my eyes lately. A couple of weeks ago, I noticed some redness and a bit of swelling, which freaked me out because my friend said it might be an eye infection. I didn't know much about how to prevent eye infection until I did some research, but it still feels overwhelming. I don’t have insurance, so I can’t just run to the doctor every time something feels off. I’ve been trying to keep my hands clean and not touch my eyes, but like, what more can I do? I've read about things like not sharing makeup or towels, but I’m not always sure if I’m going overboard. I usually wear contacts too, which I feel like might be making things worse. Do I really need to switch to glasses full-time or are there ways to prevent eye infection while still using contacts? I've also heard about using eye drops, but will that help if I already feel some irritation? Any other tips on how to prevent eye infection would really help because it’s stressing me out! I just want to make sure I'm doing things right before it turns into something serious.

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image asteriksCTA image

Doctors' responses

Preventing eye infections, especially if you wear contact lenses, involves a few important steps. First, always ensure your hands are clean before touching your contacts or your eyes. Hand hygiene is a crucial step in reducing the risk of transferring harmful bacteria to your eyes. You don’t have to stop wearing contacts altogether, but it’s essential to follow proper lens care. Use a disinfecting solution recommended by eye care professionals for cleaning your lenses—avoid using tap water or homemade solutions. Never sleep in your contacts unless they are specifically designed for overnight wear, as this can increase the risk of infection. When it comes to makeup, make sure you’re not using expired products and avoid sharing eye makeup with others. Normal precautions like not sharing towels can also be helpful but might seem excessive unless you’re frequently in shared environments. For eye drops, over-the-counter artificial tears can soothe irritation but won’t treat an infection, so they’re best used for comfort in dry environments rather than to address existing symptoms of infection. If irritation persists, limit contact lens use and let your eyes recover by switching to glasses for a period. In cases where redness or swelling continues or worsens, even without insurance, it might be worth visiting a clinic or community health service to make sure there isn’t an ongoing infection that warrants treatment. Seeking professional evaluation in such cases can prevent complications that might be more costly and difficult to treat in the long run. Prioritize clean contact lens cases too; replace yours every few months to minimize microbial growth. Proactive lens care and eyecare hygiene are effective steps in preventing infections and maintaining overall eye health.

18625 answered questions
91% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously

Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions