6 ways to prevent pink eye

Pink eye (conjunctivitis), whether caused by viruses, bacteria, or irritants can spread rapidly, especially with close contact. Good habits around hygiene, contact-lens care, and personal items are among the most effective tools to reduce risk. Following a few simple rules goes a long way toward keeping your eyes healthy. Here are some preventive measures as suggested by CDC. (Source: Photo by unsplash)

Wash Your Hands Frequently and Carefully: One of the most important prevention steps is to wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before touching your eyes, after using the restroom, or after being around someone with pink eye. (Source: Photo by unsplash)

Avoid Rubbing Eyes with Unwashed Hands: Touching or rubbing your eyes can transfer viruses or bacteria from your hands — whether from surfaces, shared objects, or other people directly to your eyes and cause infection. (Source: Photo by unsplash)

Don't Share Items that Contact your Eyes: Avoid sharing items like towels, washcloths, pillowcases, eye drops, cosmetics (mascara, eyeliner), makeup brushes, eyeglasses or contact lens cases. Sharing these items can easily spread infectious agents. (Source: Photo by unsplash)

Practice Safe Hygiene around Someone with Pink Eye: If someone close to you has pink eye, take extra precautions: wash your hands after contact, avoid sharing items, and don’t touch your eyes after handling potentially contaminated items (like tissues, towels, or lens cases). (Source: Photo by unsplash)

Maintain Cleanliness of Contact Lenses and Eyewear: If you wear contact lenses, clean them properly and store them as directed by your eye care professional. Dirty or improperly stored lenses significantly increase the risk of eye infection. (Source: Photo by unsplash)

Regularly Wash Bedding: Since germs that cause pink eye can survive on surfaces, regularly wash pillowcases, sheets, towels, and washcloths, ideally in hot water and detergent to kill any lingering pathogens. (Source: Photo by unsplash)