Can You Contract COVID-19 Through Your Eyes?

Could you get the COVID-19 infection from contact lenses? Could you be infected some other way through your eyes? If you’re not careful with the handling of your contact lenses, you could develop an eye infection.
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The coronavirus can spread through your eyes, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. They state:
  • The coronavirus may cause pink eye, so don’t touch eye discharge. A recent Chinese study suggests that up to a third of those hospitalized with the disease had eye problems, including viral pink eye or conjunctivitis
  • Wearing glasses may give you some protection. Though they’re not as effective as safety goggles, prescription lenses or sunglasses can shield your eyes from some infected droplets in the air
  • Avoid rubbing your eyes because it will lower your risk of infection. If you must itch or rub your eyes, or even adjust your glasses, put a tissue over your fingers. If your eyes are dry, to avoid more rubbing, use moisturizing drops. If you must touch your eyes, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before and after you do so
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that there is currently no evidence showing contact lens wearers are more at risk for COVID-19 than those using eyeglasses. Wearers should practice safe contact lens wear and care hygiene practices to help prevent against transmission of any contact lens-related infections, such as always washing hands with soap and water before handling lenses. Those who are healthy can wear their contact lenses as prescribed by their eye care professional. It’s important to wash your hands if you want to avoid COVID-19. Though most people contract the disease through breathing in the virus, it can contaminate surfaces too. If you touch such a surface, then touch your face or eyes, you may give yourself the virus. Some of us practice the proper contact lens hygiene practices better than others. If you don’t follow safety precautions consistently (especially thoroughly washing your hands before taking out or inserting your lenses), it would be a good idea to do so, or give your lenses a rest and wear glasses. Other than hand washing, the CDC has these instructions for contact lens users:
  • Don’t sleep with your contact lenses unless we say that’s OK
  • Replace your contact lenses as often as we suggest
  • Keep contact lenses away from water because it can introduce germs to your eyes
  • Properly clean your lenses by using contact lens disinfecting solution, not water or saliva
  • Only use fresh contact lens disinfecting solution in your case
  • Regularly and thoroughly clean your contact lens case
  • Take out your lenses and call us if you have eye pain, discomfort, redness, or blurred vision
If you have questions about your vision, you’re having sight problems or are concerned about COVID-19, contact the Lehigh Valley Center for Sight at 610-437-4988. You can also fill out our contact form. Reach out to us so we can start the conversation and work together to protect your sight and health. Houman Ahdieh, MD Lehigh Valley Center for Sight https://www.lvcenter4sight.com eyedoc@lvcenter4sight.com

https://www.lvcenter4sight.com/can-you-contract-covid-19-through-your-eyes/

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