EYE HYGIENE

Ocen Chris
Sep 14
2 min read

Our eyes are delicate organs that allow us to see and connect with the world around us. Unfortunately, they are also easily exposed to germs, dirt, and harmful practices that can cause infections or long-term damage. Good eye hygiene is essential to protect your vision and maintain healthy eyes.

Eye hygiene refers to the daily practices and habits that help keep your eyes clean, healthy free from infections these among others include washing hands, safe eye cleaning etc.

How We Contaminate Our Eyes

Many common habits unintentionally put our eyes at risk:

Touching eyes with unwashed hands: Hands carry bacteria, viruses, and dirt that can easily transfer to the eyes and cause infections such as conjunctivitis (“red eye”).
Using unsafe objects to remove foreign bodies: Sticks, paper, or sharp objects can scratch the cornea, leading to pain, infection, or even permanent scarring.
Traditional remedies: Washing eyes with salt water, breast milk, or even urine is dangerous and can worsen infection rather than cure it.
Sharing personal items: Using someone else’s towels, handkerchiefs, makeup, or eye drops increases the risk of spreading infections.

Risk Factors for Eye Infections

Certain situations increase the chances of developing eye problems:

Poor hand hygiene.
Exposure to dusty or dirty environments.
Using contact lenses without proper cleaning.
Applying expired or contaminated eye medications or cosmetics.
Delaying medical treatment and relying on unproven remedies.

Safe Practices for Good Eye Hygiene

To keep your eyes safe and healthy, adopt these simple but important practices:

Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes or handling contact lenses.
Avoid rubbing your eyes, especially with dirty hands.
If a foreign body enters the eye, rinse gently with clean water or sterile saline solution—never use sharp objects.
Use only prescribed medications or eye drops from a qualified medical provider.
Protect your eyes from dust, smoke, and injury by using protective eyewear where necessary.
Keep cosmetics and contact lenses clean, and avoid sharing them.
Screen your eyes regularly for early detection of any complications.

When to Seek Medical Help

Do not ignore persistent eye problems. Visit a qualified medical professional if you experience:

Redness, swelling, or discharge.
Pain or itching that does not improve.
Blurred or reduced vision.
A sensation of something stuck in the eye that does not wash out.

Remember!!

Healthy eyes depend on simple but consistent hygiene. Avoid harmful traditional practices and unsafe habits. Instead, protect your eyes with proper care and seek timely medical attention when needed.

At Clinison Medical Eye Centre we say, “Protect your sight-Test regularly”

Our team of professionals is always ready to support you in a clean and safe environment.

For support, please contact us on +25676317208/+256704007172 or admin@clinisonmedical.com and www.clinisonmedical.com