What is a key infection-control practice to prevent spread of conjunctivitis in a clinic?

• A. Hand hygiene and proper instrument sterilization; use of gloves as indicated
• B. Isolation of all patients
• C. Use of masks for all visits
• D. No infection-control measures needed

Answer: (A)

Conjunctivitis spreads mainly through direct contact with infected eye secretions and via contaminated instruments. The most reliable way to prevent transmission in a clinic is insisting on thorough hand hygiene and ensuring all instruments that contact the eye are properly sterilized or disinfected between patients. Gloves are helpful when contact with secretions or mucous membranes is likely, but they don’t replace the need for hand hygiene or proper instrument handling; they’re used as an additional protective measure as indicated. Isolating every patient or using masks for all visits aren’t required for routine conjunctivitis management, and claiming no infection-control measures are needed would miss the essential steps to stop spread.