Our hands touch everything—phones, keyboards, doorknobs—and then, often without thinking, they touch our eyes. This small, unconscious act can carry big risks. Unwashed hands are one of the most common sources of eye infections, and in today’s screen-filled world, that danger is only growing.

Dr. Mubashir Parkar, an ophthalmologist at Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, warns that smartphones can host more bacteria than a public toilet seat. Every time you scroll or swipe, your fingertips pick up germs. Rub your eyes or handle contact lenses without washing your hands first, and you’re giving those microbes direct access to one of the most sensitive parts of your body.

Contact lens wearers should be especially careful. Lenses can cause tiny abrasions on the eye’s surface, making it easier for bacteria or viruses to get in. Handling lenses with dirty hands raises the risk of infections like conjunctivitis and keratitis—and in extreme cases, conditions like Acanthamoeba keratitis, which can seriously threaten your sight.

The good news? These risks are easy to avoid with basic hand hygiene. Always wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before touching your face or eyes. If you wear contact lenses, follow care instructions to the letter: use fresh solution, never reuse liquid, and clean your lens case regularly.

Also, clean your phone regularly with alcohol-based wipes, and resist the urge to rub your eyes—especially when you’re out and about.

And the last advice, especially for daily users is to make sure you keep your packets of lens clean before they are opened. Don't leave them at the bottom of a bag but keep them clean in a dedicated case.

Your eyes deserve protection. A simple habit like handwashing isn’t just about cleanliness—it’s a powerful defense against infection and lasting eye damage.