Is your eye health affected by coronavirus?


As COVID-19 continues to dominate the headlines, you must understand the symptoms and risks associated with the virus. Protecting yourself and those around you is vital, as so much new information emerges every day. COVID-19, commonly known as Coronavirus, can manifest itself in different ways depending on how you react to the virus, so it’s essential to take the right precautions to be on the safe side.

With or without the coronavirus pandemic, it is critical to look after your health as best as you can.

  • Washing your hands with soap and water often - do this for at least 20 seconds
  • Always wash your hands when you get home or into work
  • Use hand sanitizer gel if soap and water are not available
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
  • Put used tissues in a bin immediately and wash your hands afterward
  • Avoid close contact with people who have symptoms of Coronavirus 
  • Looking after your health includes looking after your eyes, which could play a role in the spread and prevention of the outbreak.

While it may be unlikely that you can catch Coronavirus through your eyes, it is still essential to follow good hygienic practices to minimize any risk.

 WEARING CONTACT LENSES

 If you wear contact lenses, it may be beneficial to switch to glasses while COVID-19 is a risk. Generally speaking, contact lens wearers touch their eyes more than the average person, which can increase your risk of spreading germs.

If you often find yourself touching your eyes frequently, you may want to consider wearing glasses more often. Substituting your contact lenses for glasses can reduce irritation and could also act as a deterrent when going to touch your eyes.

If you choose to maintain contact lens wear, be even more stringent in washing your hands before inserting and removing your lenses. Washing your hands is something that should always be done as routine anyway but increasing the frequency will help to reduce the chances of contracting and passing on the virus.

 PROTECTING YOUR EYES

Wearing glasses could act as an additional layer of protection. COVID-19 is thought to be contracted through airborne respiratory droplets, usually caused when someone infected coughs or sneezes. Your glasses may act as a barrier to protect your eyes from this, although they won’t provide 100% security.

 If you are in contact with or near a potentially exposed person, you may want to consider safety goggles which could be more effective, according to the World Health Organization. This could also be beneficial for those caring for patients who are at risk.

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