Bacterial conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is an eye infection caused by exposure to certain strains of bacteria. While these infections are quite common and typically go away on their own with home remedies, repeated bouts of bacterial pink eye could indicate a deeper issue. Here are some factors to consider if you suffer from recurring eye infections.
The strains of bacteria known for causing pink eye, which include Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae, can cause infections in anyone exposed to them. However, your risk of eye infections increases when you are lax about handwashing, which can eliminate all sorts of germs.
Frequently touching your eyes and face is also problematic, as you can easily pass along germs to your eyes that you have acquired between handwashing sessions. Repeated episodes of bacterial conjunctivitis can also result from the sharing of personal care items, such as eye drops, washcloths, and makeup, as these items can become contaminated with the bacteria associated with pink eye.
It may not be possible to completely avoid bacterial conjunctivitis, but you can reduce your risk of eye infections by doing the following:
If you still experience eye infections after taking these steps, make an appointment with an eye doctor. An eye doctor can assess your symptoms and make a proper diagnosis to ensure you receive the correct treatment for your eye issues.