There are many types of conjunctivitis with various causes. Some types are contagious, but some are not. Certain strategies can help you protect yourself.

Conjunctivitis is one of the most common and treatable eye conditions. It’s often called “pink eye” due to the way the whites of the eyes turn pink.

Conjunctivitis can be due to a microbe or inflammation from an irritant or allergen. Typical germs that cause conjunctivitis include viruses and bacteria. These are highly transmissible.

If your eye irritation is from an irritant or allergy, this type cannot spread from person to person.

Symptoms include red and irritated eyes, pus and crustiness around the eye, and itchy and watery eyes.

Read on to learn how you can help prevent conjunctivitis.

To prevent the spread of bacterial or viral conjunctivitis, it’s important to practice good hygiene. This includes regular handwashing.

If you don’t have access to soap and water, using hand sanitizer is a good idea.

Also, make sure to wash your hands anytime you come into contact with a potential irritant or if you are around someone who may have an eye infection.

Try to avoid irritants like:

  • cigarette smoke
  • pollution
  • chlorine in swimming pool water
  • a loose eyelash
  • getting shampoo in your eyes

Allergies that cause inflammation to your eyes include things like pollen or animal fur and dander.

To help protect your eyes, you can try to avoid coming into contact with things that may cause eye irritation.

If you are unable to avoid certain irritants, you may want to cover your eyes with glasses if you can. For example, wearing sunglasses outside when the pollen count is high may help protect your eyes.

Also, it can help to wash your hands if you come into contact with something that you think may be a potential irritant. For example, washing your hands after touching a cat or dog.

Wearing goggles when you go swimming and removing contact lenses can help protect your eyes from the chlorine.

It’s a good idea to wash any face cloths or towels if you think you may have an eye infection. This can help prevent re-infection. You may want to use a new towel each day if you have an eye infection.

Washing towels can also remove any allergens that may be sitting on the material.

Along with your towels, throw in your bedsheets too. Allergens and microbes can also settle in these areas. You’ll want to wash your pillowcase more often as this comes into direct contact with your face and eyes.

When washing towels and bedsheets, use a hot wash to properly remove allergens and kill germs.

If someone you spend time with may have a contagious eye infection, make sure not to share towels or bedsheets.

Makeup is another common place where germs can be found. Avoid sharing makeup items, particularly any that go on or around your eyes, such as mascara and eyeliner. Makeup brushes can also spread bacteria from one person to another.

It’s a good idea to avoid sharing eyeglasses as well.

If you already have an eye infection in one eye, the American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests using a different washcloth for each eye to prevent the infection from spreading to the other.

If you wear contact lenses, it’s important to keep them clean and store them correctly. If you wear disposable lenses, make sure you do not reuse them and that you throw them out daily.

If you think you may have an eye infection, you’ll want to clean your contact lenses more frequently.

  • stop wearing contact lenses if you have symptoms of conjunctivitis
  • clean, store, and replace your contact lenses as directed
  • throw away disposable contact lenses and cases after use
  • make sure you clean reusable products properly, including extended-wear lenses, glasses, and cases

If you have eye irritation due to an irritant or an allergy, it can help to use certain eyedrops that you may be able to get over the counter at pharmacies.

This can help prevent further irritation that may allow bacteria or viruses to enter your eye more easily.

If you are experiencing dry eyes, using a natural saline eyedrop can help keep your eyes protected.

Conjunctivitis can have various causes.

Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are highly contagious. It’s important to keep your personal belongings clean and avoid sharing them with anyone who may have an eye infection.

It’s also a good idea to avoid allergens and potential irritants that can inflame your eyes.

Conjunctivitis typically resolves on its own within 1 to 2 weeks. If you think you have conjunctivitis, it’s a good idea to speak with a health professional for treatment advice.