Every day, our hands come into contact with countless surfaces, picking up invisible passengers — germs, bacteria, and viruses. Without a second thought, we rub our eyes, scratch an itch, or adjust our contact lenses. This seemingly harmless habit can open the door to serious eye infections that threaten our vision. At Shekar Eye Hospital, we’re passionate about promoting simple practices that make a world of difference — and hand hygiene tops that list.
Why Hand Hygiene Matters for Eye Health?
Our eyes are incredibly delicate. When we touch them with unwashed hands, we risk transferring harmful microorganisms directly onto the eye’s surface. This can lead to infections such as conjunctivitis (pink eye), keratitis, and styes, all of which can impact vision and overall eye health.
World Hand Hygiene Day: A Global Call to Action
Observed every year on May 5th, World Hand Hygiene Day shines a spotlight on the vital role of clean hands in preventing infections and promoting public health. Launched by the World Health Organization (WHO), it encourages individuals and healthcare professionals alike to prioritise hand hygiene.
At Shekar Eye Hospital, we join this global initiative to remind everyone: healthy eyes start with clean hands. By being mindful of hygiene practices, we can prevent the spread of infections and protect our vision for years to come.
How Poor Hand Hygiene Impacts Eye Health
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): A highly contagious infection often spread by touching the eyes with dirty hands.
Styes: Painful lumps that form on the eyelid when bacteria infect the oil glands.
Keratitis: A serious inflammation of the cornea that can result in vision loss if untreated.
Complications from Contact Lenses: Improper hand hygiene when handling lenses can introduce dangerous pathogens to the eyes.
Watering in the eyes: Many people, particularly elders, complain of continuous watering. This is due to continuous wiping of the eyes with bare hands, tissue paper, saree or towels.
Simple Steps to Protect Your Vision with Hand Hygiene
Wash Your Hands Frequently: Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before touching your eyes, face, or contact lenses.
Carry Hand Sanitiser: When soap and water aren’t accessible, use an alcohol-based sanitiser.
Avoid Touching Your Eyes: Refrain from rubbing or touching your eyes unnecessarily.
Practice Safe Contact Lens Hygiene: Always handle lenses with freshly washed hands.
Teach Children: Encourage good handwashing habits among children to protect their eye health.
Hand Hygiene at Shekar Eye Hospital
We prioritise patient safety at every step. From placing sanitiser stations throughout our facility to training our team regularly, Shekar Eye Hospital ensures the highest standards of hygiene are maintained. Your health and vision are our top priority.
Remember: Small Steps, Big Protection
Good hand hygiene is one of the simplest, yet most powerful, ways to protect your eyes. It takes less than a minute to wash your hands, but it can save you from days or even weeks of discomfort — and in some cases, preserve your eyesight.
Do not touch or wipe the eyes repeatedly. Once you wash your face, avoid touching your eyes during the rest of the day.
On World Hand Hygiene Day and every day, let’s embrace healthy habits that shield our eyes and strengthen our well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How often should I wash my hands to protect my eyes?
Ideally, wash your hands before eating, after using the restroom, after public exposure, and especially before touching your face or eyes.
Q2. Can hand sanitiser protect my eyes from infections too?
Yes, alcohol-based sanitisers can effectively reduce germs on your hands, lowering the risk of transferring infections to your eyes. They are less effective than tape and water.
Q3. Why is hand hygiene important before and after using contact lenses?
Handling contact lenses with dirty hands can introduce bacteria and cause infections like keratitis, potentially leading to serious eye complications.
Stay aware. Stay hygienic. Protect your vision with simple daily habits.
Happy World Hand Hygiene Day from Shekar Eye Hospital!
