15 October is World Handwashing Day!

On this auspicious occasion, let's talk a bit about the importance of handwashing, especially if you wear contact lenses every day!

It's no news that our hands are the most contaminated part of our body. An average person's palm harbors roughly 150 different species of bacteria, which moreover, reproduce at an extra pace.

Despite surveys showing that on average we spend only 6(!) seconds washing our hands on each occasion, and even then skipping the use of soap... However, if we don't wash enough and CORRECTLY, we expose our bodies to increased risks posed by E. coli, influenza virus, salmonella, or even norovirus, among others.

Basic Rule...

...is that we only and exclusively touch our contact lenses and our eyes with clean hands, as bacteria and various impurities can cause conjunctivitis or even corneal inflammation through the tiny injuries of the eye. The latter also lacks blood supply, making it even more difficult to fend off the insidious attacks of pathogens, which can cause permanent scars and ultimately vision loss.

How to Do It Right?

It's never too late to learn the correct handwashing technique and prevent many problems with it.

• Use soap on wet hands, then rub them together for at least 20-30 seconds.
• During this time, don't forget to clean your fingers, the spaces between them, pay attention to the nails, the palms, and even the wrists!
• After thorough rinsing with plenty of water, use a clean and DRY towel.

Extra Tip:

After washing your hands before inserting contact lenses, use a paper-based hand towel instead of a cloth one to avoid transferring lint from your fingers to your lenses!