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, the eyes play an important role in spreading COVID-19.
Guard Your Eyes Against COVID-19
- Avoid rubbing your eyes. If you must touch your eyes, 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.
- Disinfect surfaces. You can catch COVID-19 by touching an object or surface that has the virus on it, then touching your eyes.
Coronavirus and Pink Eye
According to a recent study in China, viral conjunctivitis may be a symptom of COVID-19. If you suspect you have pink eye, call your eye doctor right away. Given the coronavirus crisis, please call prior to presenting at the office of St. Clairsville Eyecare, as it will allow the staff to assess your condition and prepare for your visit.
Contact Lenses or Eyeglasses?
Many contact lens wearers are thinking about switching to eyeglasses to lower the threat of infection. Wearing glasses may provide an extra layer of protection if someone coughs on you, though they do not fully protect against the virus.
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. Gently wash eyeglasses with warm water and soap, and dry using a microfiber cloth. From all of us at St. Clairsville Eyecare in St. Clairsville, Ohio, we wish you good health and please stay safe. Call us at (740) 695-0444.