The Importance of Proper Eye Hygiene: Tips for Preventing Eye Infections

by | Feb 12, 2024 | Eye Health News

Introduction: Our eyes are not only the windows to the soul but also crucial tools for navigating the world around us. However, like any other part of our body, they require proper care and hygiene to maintain their health. Eye infections can be uncomfortable, disruptive, and potentially harmful to our vision. Fortunately, by adopting good eye hygiene practices, we can significantly reduce the risk of contracting such infections. Let’s delve into the importance of proper eye hygiene and some practical tips for preventing eye infections.

Importance of Proper Eye Hygiene:
1. Preventing Infections: Proper eye hygiene is essential for preventing various types of eye infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. These infections can lead to discomfort, redness, itching, and in severe cases, vision impairment.
2. Preserving Vision: Our eyes are irreplaceable, and maintaining their health is crucial for preserving vision. By practicing good eye hygiene, we can minimize the risk of conditions that could potentially threaten our eyesight.
3. Reducing Allergy Symptoms: Allergens like dust, pollen, and pet dander can exacerbate eye allergies, leading to itching, redness, and swelling. Regular eye hygiene can help reduce exposure to allergens and alleviate allergy symptoms.
4. Comfort and Well-being: Clean eyes are more comfortable and less prone to irritation. Proper eye hygiene can contribute to overall eye comfort and well-being, allowing us to go about our daily activities without discomfort or distraction.
Tips for Preventing Eye Infections:
1. Wash Hands Frequently: Hands are a common vehicle for transferring bacteria and viruses to the eyes. To prevent infections, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your eyes, especially before inserting or removing contact lenses.
2. Avoid Rubbing Eyes: Rubbing your eyes can introduce dirt, bacteria, and other irritants, increasing the risk of infection. If your eyes feel itchy or irritated, use a clean tissue to gently dab or wipe them instead of rubbing.
3. Practice Proper Contact Lens Care: If you wear contact lenses, follow your eye care professional’s instructions for proper cleaning, disinfecting, and storing them. Avoid wearing lenses while swimming or sleeping, as this can increase the risk of infection.
4. Avoid Sharing Eye Makeup: Sharing eye makeup can transfer bacteria and viruses between individuals, leading to eye infections. Use separate makeup products and applicators to prevent contamination, and replace them regularly to avoid bacterial buildup.
5. Protect Eyes from UV Rays: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can increase the risk of eye infections and other eye conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays when outdoors to protect your eyes.
6. Clean Eyeglasses Regularly: Eyeglasses can harbor bacteria, dirt, and oils, especially if they’re not cleaned regularly. Clean your glasses with a mild soap and water solution or lens cleaner to keep them free from contaminants.
Conclusion: Proper eye hygiene is crucial for maintaining eye health, preventing infections, and preserving vision. By incorporating simple habits like handwashing, avoiding eye rubbing, and practicing proper contact lens care into our daily routine, we can significantly reduce the risk of eye infections and enjoy clear, comfortable vision for years to come. Remember, healthy eyes contribute to a better quality of life, so prioritize your eye hygiene today.

Tatum Eyecare is North Phoenix’s premier family eye care center. We’ve spared no expense to create the most pleasant, comfortable patient experience… including the finest furnishings, the best selection of prescription eyeglass frames, the most cutting-edge technology, and the most outstanding team of industry professionals. Come see why the choice for family eye care in the Valley has never been clearer.

Dr. Bryan Fuller

Dr. Bryan Fuller of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. Fuller grew up in Issaquah, Washington and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Washington State University. He decided to ditch the calculator and trade it in for a phoropter and slit lamp. He headed east to The Ohio State University where he received his Optometry degree in 1998. Go Bucks! Not wanting to return to the gray of Washington, after graduation, he headed southwest to sunny Arizona. Shortly thereafter he met Dr. McPhelan and they partnered up at their original location, Optical Illusions. With the success of the first location, the two doctors opened up their north location, Optique at the Ridge. After many years of operating the two locations, it was time for an upgrade. In 2016 they merged the two locations into their larger and current location, Tatum Eyecare! When not at the office, Dr. Fuller enjoys spending his free time with his amazing wife and two boys. Dr. Fuller holds the following degrees:

Ohio State University - Doctorate of Optometry
Washington State University - B.S. Mechanical Engineering

Dr. James McPhelan

Dr. James McPhelan of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. McPhelan grew up in Southern California and enlisted in the Army at age 17. He graduated from Southern California College of Optometry in 1976, then started practicing optometry in Arizona in 1977. Over the next few years, he grew 20/20 Eye Care to 15 offices. In 1999, he and Dr. Fuller took over Optical Illusions, then opened Optique at the Ridge. In 2016, they created Tatum Eyecare. In his spare time, Dr. McPhelan is an avid golfer, often competing in multiple tournaments through the year. Dr. McPhelan holds the following degrees:


Southern California College of Optometry - Doctorate of Optometry

Dr. Houle

Dr. Houle
Dr. Houle is following in her father's footsteps as an optometrist. She is a North Dakota native who received her Bachelor's degree from the University of North Dakota before earning her Doctorate of Optometry from Midwestern University - Arizona College of Optometry. Dr. Houle began her career in eye care more than 10 years ago, and she worked as a receptionist, optician, and technician before becoming an optometrist. She has a particular interest in the management of ocular disease including dry eye and glaucoma. In her free time, Dr. Houle is an avid baseball fan (go Twins!) and spends as much time as possible with her friends and family in both Arizona and North Dakota.

Midwestern University – Arizona College of Optometry - Doctorate of Optometry
University of North Dakota - Bachelor of Science: Biology

Dr. Kenneth O'Daniel

Dr. Kenneth O'Daniel of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. O’Daniel was born in the beautiful mountains of Waynesville, North Carolina and grew up in Dayton, Ohio. He attended Wright State University and graduated with his BS in Biology in 1977; shortly thereafter, beginning his Masters in BioChemistry.

Dr. O’Daniel is also a 1983 graduate of the Illinois College Optometry. He met his wife Lori during this period. Lori, a Chicago native, became an integral part of his practice (and life!) shortly thereafter.
He moved to Scottsdale in 1986 to begin practicing inside LensCrafters. In 1990 Dr. O'Daniel opened the Scottsdale LensCrafters, and he also presided as its director of Optometric services.
Dr. O’Daniel became an Optometrist because of his love and passion for photography, physics, and desire provide patients with the ability to see the world more clearly. As a licensed optometrist, Dr. O’Daniel provides complete eye care services for the surrounding communities ages seven and up.
Dr. O’Daniel has had a working relationship with both Dr. Fuller and McPhellan for over two decades. He has served as past director for the Arizona Optometric Association, and past President of the Central Arizona Optometric Society. In January, 2018 Dr. O’Daniel decided to join Tatum Eye Care, the premier Eye Care Center in Phoenix and Scottsdale.
Dr. O’Daniel’s goal is simple: Provide Excellent Eye Care, treat patients as family, and treat everyone honestly and fairly!

Dr. Christina Wong

Dr. Christina Wong of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
A southern California native, Dr. Wong attended UCLA where she received her B.S. in Biology. She then completed her Doctorate of Optometry at the Southern California College of Optometry. Dr. Wong moved to Arizona to complete a residency in ocular disease at Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital on the Gila River Indian Reservation. Following residency, Dr. Wong earned the distinction of Fellow in the American Academy of Optometry.

Dr. Wong provides comprehensive eye care to patients of all ages, from pediatrics through seniors. She has a special interest in the management of medical eye conditions including glaucoma, eye infections, dry eye and diabetic retinopathy.
Outside of the office, Dr. Wong enjoys running, going to the beach, rooting for the Bruins, and spending time with her husband and three daughters.
University of California Los Angeles - B.S. in Biology
Southern California College of Optometry - Doctorate of Optometry

Dr. Ryan Felten

Dr. Felten of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. Felten is a native to Arizona, and was raised in North Phoenix where most of his family still resides. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Brigham Young University; then returned home to Arizona to pursue his Doctor of Optometry at Midwestern University in Glendale. While at Midwestern University, he was a member of the Beta Sigma Kappa Honor Society and was the recipient of the Clinical Excellence Award in Pediatrics and Vision Therapy. Dr. Felten enjoys working with patients of all ages and also speaks fluent Spanish. Dr. Felten holds the following degrees:


Brigham Young University - Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Midwestern University - Doctorate of Optometry