Categories: Eye Care

Essential Tips for Maintaining Eye Hygiene

FacebookFacebookTwitterTwitterLinkedInLinkedInEmailEmailShareShare

Your eyes deserve plenty of TLC. Eye hygiene is your key to maintaining fantastic eyesight and preventing infections. It is often an overlooked aspect of health, but simple practices can go a long way in making sure your eyes stay in top-notch condition. Our resident optometrist at Vienna Eyecare Center shares them below.

Maintaining Eye HygieneMaintaining Eye Hygiene

Regular Hand Washing

The hands often come into contact with different surfaces, carrying germs that can easily be transferred to your eyes when you touch or rub them. Wash your hands regularly, especially before applying eye drops or makeup. Use warm water and a good amount of soap and make sure to scrub for at least 20 seconds. Don’t forget to dry your hands thoroughly, as damp hands can easily spread bacteria.

Avoid Eye Rubbing

This may seem natural, especially when your eyes feel itchy or tired. However, eye rubbing can introduce bacteria and other contaminants from your hands, potentially leading to infections. Furthermore, rubbing your eyes can cause physical damage, such as corneal abrasion. Instead, if you feel discomfort, try blinking rapidly or rinsing your eyes with clean water. If the discomfort persists, it’s best to consult an optometrist instead of resorting to rubbing.

Take Off Contacts Before Bed

Sleeping in your contact lenses increases the risk of developing an eye infection. The lenses can trap irritants and bacteria against the eye surface, creating an environment conducive to infection. Contact lenses also limit the amount of oxygen that reaches your eyes, which can cause dryness and discomfort. Remember to clean your contact lenses thoroughly before storing them. Always replace them as recommended by your eye doctor.

Use Clean Eye Cosmetics

Always use clean and non-expired cosmetics on your eyes. Eyeliners, eyeshadows, and mascaras can harbor bacteria over time, which can cause eye infections. It is ideal to replace your eye cosmetics every three months. Never share your eye cosmetics with others, as it can lead to the spread of infections. Also, always remove your makeup at the end of the day to give your eyes a break and prevent potential irritation or infections.

Get Regular Eye Check-Ups

Regular eye check-ups are not only essential for maintaining optimal vision, but they can also help detect a variety of eye diseases and conditions early on. These include glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts. Eye examinations can also help detect systemic diseases, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. During a check-up, an optometrist will assess your visual acuity and conduct tests to evaluate your eye health. They can also provide personalized advice on eye care based on your specific needs and lifestyle.

Maintaining good eye health and hygiene isn’t as intimidating as it might seem. For quality eye care in Fairfax and Vienna, VA, trust the professionals at Vienna Eyecare Center. Contact us at (703) 938-7633 today, or reach us online to schedule a consultation. Your eyes deserve nothing but the best!

Nicole M. Ardura, O.D

Recent Posts

Can Contacts Protect My Eyes Against UV?

With summer in full swing, many of us head outdoors to soak up the sun,…

8 hours ago

Can Children and Young Adults Develop Cataracts?

It's a common misconception that cataracts only affect the elderly. When discussing eye health issues…

1 month ago

How Is Astigmatism Treated?

Astigmatism represents one of the most common vision issues encountered by individuals, marked by an…

1 month ago

Am I Too Old to Switch to Contact Lenses?

As we age, our vision inevitably changes, often leading to the need for corrective lenses.…

2 months ago

What Is the Optometrist’s Role in Glaucoma Co-Management?

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss worldwide, known insidiously as the "silent…

2 months ago

Who Is the Ideal Candidate for Ortho-K?

For many individuals grappling with the inconvenience of glasses or the discomfort of contact lenses,…

2 months ago