To prevent conjunctivitis (pink eye), the key measures focus on good hygiene and avoiding spread from infected individuals:
- Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based sanitizer when unavailable.
- Avoid touching or rubbing the eyes with unwashed hands.
- Do not share personal items that come into contact with the eyes, such as towels, pillowcases, washcloths, eye makeup, makeup brushes, contact lenses, contact lens cases, or eyeglasses.
- Clean eyeglasses and sunglasses regularly.
- Follow proper care instructions for contact lenses, including cleaning, storing, and replacing lenses as recommended.
- Wash linens, towels, pillowcases, and face cloths in hot water and detergent regularly.
- Avoid swimming pools to reduce infection risk when infected.
- Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing and wash hands afterward.
- If infected, use a separate eye drop bottle for each eye and discard any used disposable eye products or cosmetics.
- Keep children home from school or daycare until symptoms like discharge have stopped to prevent spreading infection.
These hygiene practices reduce the transmission of viral or bacterial conjunctivitis, both of which are contagious through hand-to-eye contact or sharing contaminated items. Allergic conjunctivitis, not contagious, is triggered by allergens and requires different management. If symptoms worsen or vision changes occur, consulting a healthcare professional is advised, as conjunctivitis sometimes requires specific treatment like antibiotic drops for bacterial forms.
