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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Touching The Cornea Of The Eye Without Washing One S Hands A Cause For Concern?

Hello, I’m typing this right now as i’m worrying about MILLIONS of stuff. Normally, I’m a clean freak but sometimes, i just lose my balls and don’t wash my hands and go on touch vulnerable parts of my body, such as my eyes. A several minutes ago, an eyelash got into my eye, so naturally, i rolled my eye around hoping that it would go to the corner of the eye. It did not. I was VERY uncomfortable by then so WITHOUT WASHING MY HANDS, i simply touched the eyelash to remove it from the cornea. Now, im an overthinker and i overthink about EVERYTHING i have done to my body. So please tell me, should i use an expired eye drop?? Thats the only thing i have right now. I know that using an expired one can give u infections, inflammation and much more, but i cant help but feel guilty for touching my cornea without washing my hands.
Sat, 2 Sep 2023
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello,

You should not touch your eyes with dirty hands. Before touching the eyes or cornea you should always make sure that your hands are clean so that you do not infect the eyes. In so doing you can hurt your cornea, you can get blood shot eyes, keratitis, corneal abrasion etc. Presently wash your eyes with clean water and let it relax. Keep your eyes closed for sometime till you feel better.

Do not put expired eye drops. Expired eye drops can cause more harm than good. For precaution you can apply Refresh tears eye drops for lubrication of the eyes and immediate soothing effect to prevent eye dryness. In case of redness or infection you can apply ciprofloxacin eye drops. Before that get clinically examined by an Eye specialist.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician
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Is Touching The Cornea Of The Eye Without Washing One S Hands A Cause For Concern?

Hello, You should not touch your eyes with dirty hands. Before touching the eyes or cornea you should always make sure that your hands are clean so that you do not infect the eyes. In so doing you can hurt your cornea, you can get blood shot eyes, keratitis, corneal abrasion etc. Presently wash your eyes with clean water and let it relax. Keep your eyes closed for sometime till you feel better. Do not put expired eye drops. Expired eye drops can cause more harm than good. For precaution you can apply Refresh tears eye drops for lubrication of the eyes and immediate soothing effect to prevent eye dryness. In case of redness or infection you can apply ciprofloxacin eye drops. Before that get clinically examined by an Eye specialist. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician