Wash your hands often, especially after touching your eye or face and after applying eye drops. Use soap and warm water or, if unavailable, alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. [3] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Wet your hands with running water (warm or cold) first and then turn off the tap. Lather your hands with soap. Be sure to lather the back of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. If you’re having trouble keeping track of time, try humming “Happy Birthday” twice. Rinse your hands under running water and dry them with a clean washcloth or a paper towel. [4] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Throw away any eye-make up, such as mascara and eyeshadow. In fact, it’s best not to wear eye makeup at all during an infection. Throw away any contact lens solution used during or before the outbreak of symptoms. Any disposable contact lenses should be thrown away. If you use extended wear contacts, clean them as directed on the box. Throw out the contact lens case and get a new one to use after your infection has cleared. You should not wear contact lenses during a pink eye infection. Clean eyeglasses or cases used during the infection. [6] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Contact lens equipment, containers, or solutions. Towels, washcloths, and pillowcases Eye drops (However, you have a young child you may need to help him or her apply eye drops. Wash your hands before and after applying eyedrops and wear gloves during the process). Any kind of eye makeup Sunglasses or eyeglasses
To relieve symptoms, placing a damp washcloth over the infected eye is more helpful than itching. Use cold or warm water, depending on what feels best for you. After use, make sure the washcloth is either discarded or washed in warm water and detergent. [10] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Opthamologists Professional medical organization focused on advocating for public health and supporting sight-related research Go to source
In the wind, heat, or cold, wear eye protection to prevent irritation. This can be in the form of goggles, eyeglasses, or sunglasses. Remember, however, such items should be washed thoroughly after use and after an infection clears up. [12] X Research source If you work with chemicals, wear safety goggles. While this is a good practice in general, it’s especially important to keep foreign materials out of the eyes during an infection.
Viral pink eye is caused by the same virus that causes the common cold. It generally causes a watery mucous discharge. Symptoms usually improve within three to five days, but can last as long as two weeks, and medicines are not usually prescribed. [16] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Opthamologists Professional medical organization focused on advocating for public health and supporting sight-related research Go to source Bacterial pink eye is caused by bacterial infections and causes redness in the eye and a lot of pus. Antibiotics are usually prescribed for seven to 14 days. Symptoms clear up shortly, and a person is generally not contagious after treatment. [17] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Opthamologists Professional medical organization focused on advocating for public health and supporting sight-related research Go to source
Do not share eye makeup, eye drops, sunglasses, handkerchiefs, or other items that come in close contact with your eyes with fellow students or coworkers. Let people know you had a pink eye infection so they can take proper precautions to avoid becoming infected themselves.
