Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is a highly contagious condition characterized by inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane that covers the whites of the eyes. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergens, or irritants. While conjunctivitis is often not serious, it can be uncomfortable and disruptive. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing conjunctivitis. Here are seven effective ways to prevent it:

Practice Good Hand Hygiene: One of the most important steps in preventing the spread of conjunctivitis is to wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Be sure to wash your hands before touching your eyes or face, especially if you have been in contact with someone who has conjunctivitis.

Avoid Touching Your Eyes: Touching your eyes with unwashed hands can introduce bacteria and viruses that cause conjunctivitis. Try to avoid rubbing or touching your eyes unnecessarily, and if you do need to touch them, wash your hands thoroughly first.

Keep Your Hands Away from Your Face: In addition to avoiding touching your eyes, try to keep your hands away from your face as much as possible. This can help prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses from your hands to your eyes.

Practice Good Eye Hygiene: If you wear contact lenses, be sure to follow proper hygiene practices, including washing your hands before handling your lenses and cleaning and storing them properly. Avoid wearing contact lenses while you have conjunctivitis, as this can prolong the infection and increase the risk of complications.

Avoid Sharing Personal Items: Conjunctivitis can spread easily through contact with contaminated personal items such as towels, pillowcases, and eye makeup. Avoid sharing these items with others, especially if you or someone you know has conjunctivitis.

Keep Your Environment Clean: Regularly clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces in your home and workplace, such as doorknobs, countertops, and computer keyboards. This can help reduce the spread of germs that can cause conjunctivitis.

Protect Your Eyes from Irritants: If you know that you are allergic to certain substances or are sensitive to environmental irritants, take steps to protect your eyes. This may include wearing goggles or sunglasses outdoors, using air purifiers indoors, and avoiding exposure to smoke and other irritants.

By following these simple steps, you can help reduce your risk of developing conjunctivitis and protect your eye health. If you do develop symptoms of conjunctivitis, such as redness, itching, or discharge from the eyes, be sure to consult with your ophthalmologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.