Prevention

To prevent eye infections:

• Wash your hands. Wash your hands with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer several times each day. Keep your hands away from your eyes.
• Take care with cosmetics. Reduce your risk of recurrent eye infections by throwing away old cosmetics. Don't share your cosmetics with others. Don't wear eye makeup overnight.
• Make sure your contact lenses are clean. If you wear contact lenses, wash your hands thoroughly before handling your contacts and follow your doctor's advice on disinfecting them.
• Apply warm compresses. If you've had a sty before, using a warm compress regularly may help prevent it from coming back.
• Manage blepharitis. If you have blepharitis, follow your doctor's instructions for caring for your eyes.