Protect your eyes from flu and infections with these dos and don'ts. Follow these simple guidelines to maintain good eye health and prevent eye flu.
DO WASH YOUR HANDS
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before touching your eyes or face. This will help prevent the spread of the eye flu and other infections.
DO USE PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR
Wear protective eye wear such as safety glasses or goggles, during activities that may pose a risk of eye injuries. Proper eye protection can prevent eye flu caused by physical damage.
DO USE CLEAN TOWELS
Always use clean and dry towels to gently pat your eyes dry. Avoid sharing towels with others to prevent contamination and the potential transmission of the eye flu.
DO CLEAN CONTACT LENSES
Properly clean and disinfect your contact lenses as per your eye care specialist's instructions. Follow hygiene practises to avoid eye infections and flu caused by dirty or contaminated lenses.
DO TAKE EYE BREAKS
Give your eyes regular breaks, especially when using digital devices or reading for extended periods. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
DON'T TOUCH YOUR EYES
Refrain from touching or rubbing your eyes with unwashed hands. This can introduce harmful pathogens and increase the risk of eye flu and other eye-related issues.
DON'T SHARE EYE MAKEUP
Sharing eye makeup products like mascara or eyeliners can lead to cross-contamination of bacteria and viruses. Hence, it's important to avoid sharing such items to reduce the risk of eye flu transmission.
DON'T SHARE EYE DROPS
Eye drops are personal hygiene products, and sharing them can lead to the spread of eye flu and other infections. Use only your prescribed eye drops and avoid sharing them with others.
DON'T SELF-MEDICATE
Avoid using over-the-counter eye medications without proper guidance from an eye specialist. Self-medicating can lead to complications and delay the appropriate treatment for eye flu or related issues.
CONCLUSION
Practise proper eye hygiene and take necessary precautions to protect your eyes from the eye flu and maintain optimal eye health. Consult an eye care specialist for personalised advice on eye health and infections.