Did you know that during the colder months, your eyes are exposed to harmful conditions that can cause eye infections? Eye infections often result in painful or uncomfortable symptoms, including redness, discharge, and sensitivity to light. Take the proper precautions to protect your eyes this winter season with a few helpful tips from Eye2Eye Optometry below.

Wash Your Hands

The easiest way to limit the spread of harmful bacteria and germs to your eyes is to wash your hands regularly throughout the day. Be sure to wash your hands with antibacterial soap for at least 20 seconds to remove all the germs. 

Avoid Touching Your Face

From touching doorknobs to shaking hands, we pick up a host of different germs throughout the day. In addition to regularly washing your hands, you should avoid touching your face. These harmful germs can spread across your face and into your eyes throughout the day, so avoid touching your face whenever possible.

Don’t Rub Your Eyes

While it can feel like a big relief to rub your eyes during the colder months, you run the risk of damaging your corneas when you do so. Rubbing your eyes can thin or scratch your corneas, making you more vulnerable to developing an eye infection.

Clean Your Contact Lenses

If you wear contact lenses, be sure to properly clean your hands before putting them in or taking them out each day. Contact lenses sit on the surface of your eye, where they collect different debris that can cause an eye infection. You also should ensure that you are storing your contact lenses in a clean case with fresh contact solution each night. When possible, give your eyes a break from wearing contact lenses, too. You should never sleep with your contact lenses in your eyes. Ideally, daily use of contact lenses is the healthiest option.

Never Share Cosmetics

It may disturb you to learn that makeup brushes and applicators can collect and store different bacteria or fungi. Make sure to keep your makeup brushes clean and never share your cosmetics with other people.  Be sure to throw away expired products to keep your eyes clean.

Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam

If you are experiencing any kind of sensitivity of the eye, including redness or swelling, get your eyes checked right away. An optometrist will be able to diagnose a possible eye infection and provide treatment options to clear it up quickly. We also offer a variety of products to keep your eyes clean and healthy in-store or online here. 

Visit Eye2Eye Optometry

Eye2Eye is Alexandria’s go-to for personalized eyecare and eyewear with an emphasis on specialized services such as myopia, custom contact lenses, and dry eyes. Our experienced staff provides honest and comprehensive eye care services to our community using the latest technology and products. We are committed to caring for Everything Eyes ® and look forward to having you visit our clinics. Schedule your appointment request and our patient coordinator will contact you to schedule your visit Eye2Eye through our easy contact form.