Viral, bacterial, and fungal microorganisms are around us. Still, there are many steps you can take to stay healthy and avoid getting an eye infection.

Eye infections develop when germs come in contact with the tissues surrounding the eyes. Many of the most common eye infections invade the clear front surface of your eye called the cornea. Others disrupt the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the thin, moist membrane that lines the outer eye and inner eyelid.     

Though eye infections cause bothersome symptoms such as redness, itchiness, dryness, and sensitivity, nearly all are easily treated and most can be avoided.

The team at Columbia Vision Center strives to educate patients to be proactive regarding their eye health. Below are some tips to prevent irritation, as well as reduce the risks of lnfection.


1) You’ve heard this a lot lately- wash your hands and don’t touch your eyes and face.
2) Don’t share towels and cosmetics.
3) Remove makeup and clean your eyes nightly.
4) Remove contacts at bedtime, even the ones approved for overnight wear!  Even if you don't notice now, problems will arise eventually.
5) Don’t reuse contacts after swimming or using hot tubs.  Ask your doctor about dailies for certain activities or for your everyday contacts.  
6) Wear glasses instead of contacts when you are sick or during allergy season.  Wearing glasses provides a form of protection against airborne microorganisms reaching the eye.
7) Clean your eyes with eyelid cleansers on a regular basis to keep microbes and allergens to a controlled level. OTC products like Ocusoft in conjunction with Hypochlor eyelid cleansing spray can help most eye irritations before they flare up more.


Adhering to these good eye hygiene practices will stave off many problems in the future for you!

Location

Hours

Walk-ins are welcome but appts. are encouraged

Monday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tuesday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Wednesday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Thursday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Friday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

Monday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed