Our eyes might play an important role in the spread and prevention of the Coronavirus outbreak seen worldwide. The major route of spread of the Coronavirus is through the mouth or nose which is lined by mucous membrane. Likewise spread through the eyes has also been documented. Etv Bharat Sukhibhava spoke to Dr. Nikhil M. Kamat, M.B.B.S, M.S. (Ophthalmology) Fellow of HV Desai Eye Hospital, Pune (Medical Retina & Phacoemulsification), Ophthalmologist at Mother Care Hospital, Margao, to gain more insight into the area.
Virus can reach through the Eyes
Whenever a person infected with coronavirus coughs, sneezes, or talks, virus particles can spray from their mouth or nose onto another person’s face. You are likely to breathe these tiny droplets in, through your mouth or nose. But the droplets can also enter your body through your eyes. Another possible way of getting infected is by touching your eyes after touching something that has the virus on it like a doorknob, a table or even a contaminated face mask.
Corona affect the Eyes
Coronavirus may cause conjunctivitis (pink eye) in about 1percent to 3 percent of people with coronavirus according to health officials worldwide. The virus can spread by touching the sticky or runny discharge from an infected person’s eyes, or from objects that are contaminated by the discharge.
Things to avoid coronavirus
In order to limit the spread through the eyes, we need to change certain day to day habits like rubbing of eyes in the same way how we have adapted to the new norm of social distancing.
- If you feel an urge to itch or rub your eye or even to adjust your glasses, a tissue should be used instead of your fingers.
- Dry eyes can also lead to more rubbing.
- Frequent usage of lubricating drops is advisable of course after washing your hands prior with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Frequent hand washing and sanitization will definitely help lower your risk of infection.
- You should wash your hands before eating, after using the restroom, sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose and avoid regularly touching your face.
Wear a goggles to protect Eyes
It has been observed that those wearing contact lens tend to touch their eyes more often than the average person. Substituting glasses for lenses for a while can decrease irritation and force you to pause before touching your eye. Wearing glasses or safety goggles may add a layer of protection especially if you are a health worker, caring for a patient or a potentially exposed person. However, there isn’t enough data to suggest compulsory eye wear usage in general public since the major transmission is through the nasal passages and the respiratory system.
