Its symptoms are many: itching, burning, stinging, irritation, pain, crusting, light sensitivity, or a gritty feeling in the eye. Pink eye can come in contagious and non-contagious forms. Non-contagious pink eye can develop when harmful allergens enter the eye, and contagious forms are often tied to viral or bacterial infections. The contagious kind is highly infectious and can be spread by shared towels, table tops, bathrooms, and counter spaces.
So, what are some ways to avoid developing pink eye? Here are some tips to follow to stay away from this nasty problem.
- Never share washcloths, towels, or pillowcases.
- Wash your hands with hot, soapy water to disinfect and rid your hands of bacteria and germs.
- Do not share cosmetics (eyeliner, eye shadow, or mascara).
- Do not rub your eyes: sometimes rubbing your eyes can allow bacteria to enter your system and infect the eye.
- Dust and vacuum frequently to rid your home or allergens that may be disruptive to a sensitive system.
- Steer clear from smoke, chemicals, or fumes or if you are exposed to these things, make sure you are in a well-ventilated area.
- If you wear contacts, be sure to NOT wear them if you think you have developed pink eye.
- If you think you have pink eye, do not delay in seeking medical attention. Getting on top of the spread of the infection is important, as waiting too long can cause long term damage to the cornea.
