May 5 is World Hand Hygiene Day, which during the widespread COVID-19 pandemic is more important than ever. Clean care, including proper hand hygiene practices, plays a central role in preventing the spread of viruses and helping to protect your eyes. The Clean Hands Count campaign encourages patients to have an open and honest discussion with their providers to not only dispel any misconceptions about handwashing, but to also ensure that everyone is following the correct protocol.
At Nevada Eye Physicians, located in Las Vegas, Henderson, Boulder City, Mesquite, and Pahrump, NV, we follow the highest standards of care and adhere to the provisions set out by the CDC. Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds removes the majority of bacteria and germs that can make you sick and lead to certain eye diseases, such as pink eye. When you’re having trouble with your vision during this pandemic, we offer video conferences and online consultations that enable you to meet with our physicians throughout Nevada for assistance with your eye health.
Hand hygiene recommendations
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of diseases. The two recommended methods for handwashing are either using a hand sanitizer or washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
By following handwashing standards, we can maintain our overall health. Washing your hands frequently is important. We collect germs and dirt on our hands throughout the day, which can be easily transferred by touching our eyes, nose, or mouth. This increases our possibility of getting sick.
Washing your eyes frequently helps to control the spread of viruses such as COVID-19. Bacteria on the hands can also cause eye diseases, such as corneal ulcers or conjunctivitis. Always wash your hands before eating a meal, preparing foods, dispensing medicine, inserting or removing contacts lens, or touching the eye in any way. Always wash your hands after using the toilet, touching an animal, blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing into the hands, touching or sitting by someone sick, handling garbage, or preparing food.
How to wash your hands properly
To wash your hands properly, follow these directions:
- Wet hands and dispense soap onto the palm.
- Start scrubbing in a circular motion until the foam builds.
- Rub the soap between each finger.
- Scrub all surfaces for at least 20 seconds, including the wrists, the back of the hands, and under each fingernail.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Pat hands dry with a clean cloth. Avoid shaking off excess water and letting them air dry since damp hands spread 1,000 times more germs than dry hands.
How handwashing protects your eyes
Handwashing is the best way to stay healthy. You can prevent viruses and illnesses, most of the time, just by washing your hands. Because disease enters your body through the mucus membranes of the nose, mouth, and eyes, you can reduce your risk of getting sick by avoiding touching your eyes or face. Washing your eyes can also significantly reduce your risk of developing eye diseases, such as conjunctivitis, which is highly contagious.
Learn more about how hand hygiene can protect your eyes
At Nevada Eye Physicians, our vision professionals in Las Vegas, Henderson, Boulder City, Mesquite, and Pahrump, NV we believe in teaching our patients effective handwashing tips that help prevent them from getting sick. Proper hand hygiene will improve their overall health, including their vision health, as it reduces the risk of contracting viruses and infections. Whether during the COVID-19 pandemic or at any other time, our staff is committed to keeping our offices clean.
When visiting our offices, we require patients to either use hand-sanitizing gel or wash their hands before entering and exiting all examination rooms. We also are enforcing social distancing in our offices. We offer both video conferences and virtual consultations to better serve you during this time. The health and safety of our patients is always our main priority. To learn more about how to protect your eyes with handwashing, contact our professional team for more information.
