Preventing Eye Infections

You can also protect your eyes by preventing infections that could harm them. Conjunctivitis, which is also sometimes called pinkeye, is an eye infection that can be caused by a virus, bacteria, an allergic reaction, a chemical, or an irritant (something that gets in the eye). Conjunctivitis that is caused by germs like viruses and bacteria can easily pass from person to person. After you shake hands with someone who has a bad cold and pinkeye, for instance, you could spread the infection to your own eye by touching it with your hand.

To avoid spreading the germs that can cause eye infections:
Don't share eye makeup or drops with anyone else.
Don't touch the tip of a bottle of eye drops with your hands or your eyes because that can contaminate it with germs.
Never put contact lenses in your mouth to wet them. Many bacteria and viruses — maybe even the virus that causes cold sores — are present in your mouth and could easily spread to your eyes.
Wash your hands regularly!