Eye infections can spread from one person to the next, and they don't just affect preschoolers. They can affect older children and adults as well. Eye infections can be pink eye, or some other form of bacterial infection. If you have an eye infection, they can be a pain. They can itch or burn and can be red, sore, and possibly oozing — not exactly what you want everyone to see at school or at work. Prevent eye infections by following the tips below.

Wash Your Hands

You should wash your hands after using the restroom, not just at work or at school, but at home as well. You should also wash your hands when returning home from somewhere public, such as work or school, or after being out shopping — think about those grocery carts, door handles, or escalator rails. Wash your hands when you first walk in the door to your home to wash and rinse away those germs. Encourage everyone in your family to do the same, especially children when they come home from school.

Keep Hands Away From The Eyes/Face

Germs can spread quickly, and if you're touching your face or eyes often, you could be spreading those germs. The germs can lead to an illness or an eye infection (or both). Try your best to keep your hands out of your face and away from your eyes. Don't rub your eyes unless you have clean hands that have been washed. Encourage your children to also keep their hands off of their faces and away from their eyes as well.

Don't Share

Sharing is usually something you're taught at an early age, but some things should never be shared. Don't share makeup (especially eye makeup), eye drops, re-wetting drops, contact lenses, eyeglasses/sunglasses, or contact lens cases. These are things you should keep for your own personal self. These can all carry germs from the other person and the bacteria on them could lead to an eye infection.

Clean Your Contact Lenses Properly

Dirty contact lenses and contact lens cases that aren't cleaned properly could be the reason for your eye infection. Clean these properly to prevent this from happening again. Clean your lenses before putting them in and after taking them out using contact lens solution. Replace the solution in your contact lens case each time you put your lenses away and never re-use the solution in the case over again. At least once per week, clean your lens case out with gentle soap and water. Replace this lens case every 6 months.

Eye infections are a pain that you don't want you or your children to deal with. Use the tips above to help prevent eye infections. If you do end up with an eye infection, see your eye doctor for an exam and for treatment options. For more information, contact companies such as Northwest Ophthalmology.