Coronavirus and Your Eyes - What You Should Know
As coronavirus (COVID-19) spreads around the world, health professionals are demanding that people limit their personal risk of contracting the virus by thoroughly washing their hands, practicing social distancing, and not touching their nose, mouth, or eyes. In fact, it may surprise you to learn that the eyes play an important role in spreading COVID-19.
Coronavirus is transmitted from person to person through droplets that an infected person sneezes or coughs out. These droplets can easily enter your body through the mucous membranes on the face, such as your nose, mouth, and yes — your eyes.
Guard Your Eyes Against COVID-19
- Avoid rubbing your eyes. Although we all engage in this very normal habit, try to fight the urge to touch your eyes. If you absolutely must, first wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Tears carry the virus. Touching tears or a surface where tears have fallen can spread coronavirus. Make sure to wash your hands after touching your eyes and throughout the day as well.
- Disinfect surfaces. You can catch COVID-19 by touching an object or surface that has the virus on it, such as a door knob, and then touching your eyes.
Coronavirus and Pink Eye
Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, refers to an inflammation of the membrane covering the front of the eyeball. Conjunctivitis is characterized by red, watery, and itchy eyes. Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious and can be spread by coughing and sneezing, too.
According to a recent study in China, viral conjunctivitis may be a symptom of COVID-19. The study found conjunctival congestion in 9 of the 1,099 patients (0.8%) who were confirmed to have coronavirus.
If you suspect you have pink eye, call your eye doctor in Middletown right away.
Contact Lenses or Eyeglasses?
Many people who wear contact lenses are thinking about switching to eyeglasses for the time being to lower the threat of being infected with coronavirus. Wearing glasses may provide an extra layer of protection if someone coughs on you. However, unlike specialized safety goggles, glasses are not considered a safe way to prevent coronavirus.
Contact Lenses and COVID-19
If you wear contacts, make sure to properly wash your hands prior to removing or inserting them. Consider ordering a 3 to 6 month supply of contact lenses and solution. Don't switch your contact lens brand or solution, unless approved by your optometrist or optician.
Regularly Disinfect Glasses
Some viruses such as coronavirus, can remain on hard surfaces from several hours to days. Gently wash the lenses and frames with warm water and soap, and dry your eyeglasses using a microfiber cloth.
Stock up on Eye Medicine
It's a good idea to stock up on important medications, including eye meds, in order to get by in case you need to be quarantined or if supplies run short. It is important that you continue to follow your doctor's instructions for all medications.
From all of us at Middletown Eye Care in Middletown, we wish you good health and please stay safe.