Conjunctivitis and styes are very common eye diseases, but there is always the question of whether and how they are contagious. Dr. Xercavins, a member of Top Doctors, clarifies these doubts.
Let’s start with “highly contagious” conjunctivitis, according to Dr. Xercavins, who warns that “it can be spread by sharing towels, swimming in a pool with contaminated water or touching dirty tissues, it can also be transmitted by touch, coughing or sneezing and from one eye to the other by rubbing or touching the affected eye and then doing the same with the healthy eye”. Exactly the same happens with sties, the causes of contagion are the same and, therefore, so are the causes of prevention.
As Dr. Xercavins points out, “the most important thing is hygiene measures” and he advises to follow the following recommendations to avoid contagion:
- In case the condition is in only one eye, use two different towels, one for each eye.
- Pay attention to the correct maintenance of contact lenses, with good hygiene and replacing them when necessary.
- If you use cosmetics and suffer from conjunctivitis frequently, it may be related to a product you are allergic to. Try not applying eye makeup, or switch to another brand that is hypoallergenic.
- If you are allergic to pollen, avoid environments with high concentrations of this substance, such as the countryside and parks and gardens, and wear sunglasses when going outdoors.
- Chlorine from swimming pools can also cause conjunctivitis in people who are sensitive to this substance. If this is your case, wear goggles to protect your eyes.