Dr Harmony Bou Abbse, MD, FRCS (or FACS)

Dr. Harmony Bou-Abbse

Harmony Bou-Abbse’s Top Tips for Avoiding Eye Infections in 2025

Harmony Bou-Abbse - Ophthalmologist in Sydney

Dr. Harmony Bou-Abbse

Last updated on January 23, 2025

Eye infections can significantly impact daily life, causing discomfort and potentially leading to long-term complications if left untreated. With the rise in digital screen usage, urban pollution, and global health concerns, the need to protect eye health is more crucial than ever. Harmony Bou-Abbse, a renowned authority in vision care, has shared invaluable insights on preventing eye infections in 2025. Her expert advice provides practical and innovative solutions to safeguard our vision in the modern world.

Understanding Common Eye Infections

Before diving into prevention, it’s essential to understand the most common types of eye infections:

  1. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): A highly contagious condition caused by bacteria, viruses, or allergens.
  2. Keratitis: An infection of the cornea, often linked to improper contact lens hygiene.
  3. Styes: Painful bumps caused by blocked oil glands near the eyelids.
  4. Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelids due to bacteria or skin conditions.
  5. Fungal Eye Infections: Rare but serious infections caused by exposure to contaminated water or environments.

Harmony Bou-Abbse emphasizes that understanding these infections is the first step to preventing them.

1. Practice Proper Hand Hygiene

Bou-Abbse’s number one tip for preventing eye infections is maintaining impeccable hand hygiene. Germs from your hands can easily transfer to your eyes, especially when you rub them. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, and avoid touching your eyes unnecessarily.

For 2025, she also recommends carrying alcohol-based hand sanitizers to ensure cleanliness while on the go.

 

2. Avoid Sharing Personal Items

Sharing items like towels, pillowcases, makeup, or contact lens cases can lead to the spread of eye infections. Bou-Abbse stresses the importance of personalizing these items to reduce the risk of bacterial or viral transmission.

In 2025, advanced sterilization methods are becoming more accessible. Harmony suggests investing in portable UV sanitizers to disinfect personal items, especially when traveling.

 

3. Maintain Proper Contact Lens Hygiene

For contact lens users, improper care is one of the leading causes of eye infections. Bou-Abbse advises:

  • Always wash your hands before handling lenses.
  • Clean lenses with a doctor-approved solution; never use tap water.
  • Store lenses in a clean case and replace the case regularly.
  • Avoid sleeping or swimming with your contact lenses unless specifically prescribed.

She also recommends exploring newer contact lens technologies in 2025, such as disposable lenses or antimicrobial-coated lenses, to further minimize risks.

 

4. Be Cautious with Eye Makeup

Old or contaminated makeup can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Harmony Bou-Abbse advises replacing eye makeup, like mascara or eyeliner, every three months and cleaning brushes regularly.

She also highlights the availability of hypoallergenic and antimicrobial makeup products in 2025, which are safer for sensitive eyes and reduce the risk of infections.

 

5. Protect Your Eyes from Environmental Hazards

Pollution, allergens, and UV rays are major contributors to eye irritation and infections. Bou-Abbse suggests wearing protective eyewear such as sunglasses or safety goggles when exposed to harsh environments.

Modern eyewear in 2025 includes options with built-in UV and blue light protection, which offer additional safeguards for your eyes while ensuring style and comfort.

 

6. Take Breaks from Digital Screens

Prolonged screen time can cause dry eyes, irritation, and a weakened tear film, making your eyes more susceptible to infections. Harmony Bou-Abbse advocates the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

In 2025, she also recommends using screen filters, adjusting brightness settings, and leveraging AI-driven apps that monitor screen time and remind users to take breaks.

 

7. Keep Your Surroundings Clean

Your environment plays a significant role in eye health. Bou-Abbse advises regular cleaning of surfaces like desks, keyboards, and phones to minimize bacterial buildup.

She also notes the importance of air purifiers, especially in urban areas with high pollution levels. In 2025, advanced purifiers equipped with HEPA filters and UV technology can significantly improve indoor air quality, reducing irritants that may lead to infections.

 

8. Avoid Swimming in Contaminated Water

Swimming pools, hot tubs, and natural water bodies can harbor harmful microorganisms that cause serious eye infections. Harmony Bou-Abbse stresses the importance of wearing swim goggles to protect your eyes and avoiding swimming while wearing contact lenses.

For 2025, she highlights that pool sanitation technology has improved, but swimmers should still exercise caution, particularly in poorly maintained facilities.

 

9. Pay Attention to Allergies

Allergies can cause excessive rubbing of the eyes, increasing the risk of infections. Bou-Abbse recommends identifying and managing allergies early with prescribed antihistamines, lubricating eye drops, or cold compresses.

In 2025, wearable allergy monitors that provide real-time data on allergens in the environment are becoming popular, helping individuals avoid triggers.

 

10. Schedule Regular Eye Exams

Routine eye checkups are crucial for early detection and prevention of infections. Harmony Bou-Abbse advises scheduling comprehensive eye exams at least once a year, or more frequently if you wear contact lenses or have underlying conditions.

She emphasizes that advancements in diagnostic technology in 2025, such as AI-assisted retinal imaging and teleophthalmology, make it easier than ever to monitor eye health.

 

Embracing Preventive Eye Care in 2025

Harmony Bou-Abbse’s tips for avoiding eye infections reflect the importance of a proactive approach to eye health. With the advent of advanced technology and greater awareness in 2025, it’s easier than ever to protect your vision. By following her advice—prioritizing hygiene, embracing new technologies, and seeking professional care—you can significantly reduce the risk of infections and enjoy healthier eyes for years to come.

In a fast-paced, screen-dominated world, caring for your eyes isn’t just a necessity; it’s an investment in your overall well-being. Take the steps today to prevent infections and safeguard your vision for tomorrow.