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Help! My Cell Phone Is Causing Eye Infections!

June 14, 2012

Cell phones are one of the largest causes of blemishes and vision problems.

It seems as if everyone these days owns some kind of cell phone, from grandparents with flip phones to teenagers with iPhones. Heck, there’s even young kids in elementary school who have their own personal handheld device complete with a Justin Bieber or One Direction background. Let’s face it―in this day and age, our culture is cell phone crazy.

However, with all of the features and applications that come on some of these smart phones, it’s easy to see why these devices are permanently attached to the hands (and ears) of millions. At any given moment, someone is using their cell phone to chat, text, play games, surf the web, video chat, take a picture, and even work!

And while there are many people in the world who carry their cell phones with them virtually everywhere they go, very few actually realize that these little hand-held devices are one of the largest causes of eye infections and facial breakouts amongst those who use cell phones frequently.

Think about it―at any given times, our cell phones are picking up loads of bacteria from their surroundings. Not to mention all of the dirty places that they get set down: the bathroom counter at the bar, an outdoor patio table in the backyard, the very bottom of your purse along with month-old receipts and gum wrappers.

We would never think about laying our face down on some of these surfaces, or touching them and then touching our eyes. However, we have no problem picking up our cell phones and laying them against our cheeks and near our eyes and mouths every time we have a conversation. Even if you constantly keep your phone in your pocket, away from unknown surfaces, each time you text, you are putting all of the bacteria and oils from your hands on to the screen.

Given all of the different elements and bacteria that come in contact with our fingers and cell phones on a daily basis, it’s easy to see why all of that cross-contamination can lead to an increase in breakouts and infection, especially if you are not washing your hands frequently and then rubbing your eyeball. However, you don’t have to swear off your cell phone forever in order to have healthy vision. Instead, there are several things that you can do to ensure that your cell phone (and face) stay oil free.

The simplest way to prevent oil and bacteria from spreading from your cell phone to your skin is to clean it regularly―at least once a day. Simply grab an wet cloth or an antibacterial wipe and give your phone a quick wipe down each morning. Not only will this keep bacteria or germs from sticking to your screen, but it will also prevent the build-up of oil. Also, try and avoid rubbing or itching your eyes, as this transmits all of the bacteria of your handheld directly onto the surface of your eye.

However, preventative maintenance is essential for clear, healthy vision. Therefore, the most important thing you can do to keep your hands and face free of oils and bacteria is to wash the contaminated areas of your skin several times a day with warm water and a mild face wash.

By following these simple steps, you can help to ensure that you have healthy, clear eyes long after you’ve hung up the phone.

 

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