COVID and Eye Transmission

No doubt, the biggest story of 2020 was the global COVID-19 pandemic. While the situation continues to evolve, researchers have gained a lot of knowledge on transmission and ways to slow the spread.
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Although facemasks have become common practice, it is also possible the virus can enter through your eyes. Below is more information on COVID-19 infection and your eyes. 
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About COVID-19  

COVID-19 is a respiratory virus that is transmitted from person to person. In most people, the virus causes mild to moderate illness that does not require hospitalization, but for people with underlying medical conditions, such as COPD, coronary artery disease, and diabetes, as well as older adults, COVID-19 may be more serious.

Symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Dry cough
• Body aches
• Loss of taste and smell
• Diarrhea
• Sore throat

If you have symptoms of COVID or have been around someone that is infected, it is essential to talk with your doctor about getting a COVID test. In addition, follow your doctor’s recommendation about self-isolating. 
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Can you get COVID through the eyes?

Similar to other viruses, COVID-19 can enter the body through your eyes. What may happen is someone sneezes, or coughs, and virus particles spray into the air. In most cases, transmission occurs because the particles get into your nose or mouth as you breathe, but the virus droplets may also enter through your eyes. It is also possible to touch a surface, such as a door handle, that is contaminated with the virus and then touch your eyes and become infected. 

Types of PPE eye protection

There are different types of eye protection to reduce the risk of transmission through the eyes, including the following:

Goggles: There are different styles of eye goggles that are available. If you use eye goggles, make sure they fit snugly across the eyebrows. Some goggles can also be worn over prescription glasses. Anti-fog goggles are also an option.

Face shields: Face shields are another option to protect the eyes. A face shield also covers the nose and mouth and may provide better protection from sprays of saliva than goggles. To provide the most protection, the face shield should wrap around the face to the point of the ears. Face shields are most commonly used in the healthcare setting, but they are also available for purchase for the general public. 

Additional personal protective equipment is available to healthcare workers that covers the eyes, such as a full-face respirator, but typically, it is only used in healthcare settings.  
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Do you need eye protection? 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stopped short of recommending eye protection for the general public, but there may be instances when someone should consider protective eyewear.

For instance, healthcare workers are at an increased risk of contracting the virus. The CDC does recommend eye protection in settings where workers are at an increased risk of becoming infected through eye exposure.

In other employment settings where community transmission is substantial, follow the protocols from your employer. In addition, if you are at high risk for complications from COVID-19, talk with your doctor about the need for eye protection when going out in situations that may be higher risk, such as on public transportation. 
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General COVID prevention tips 

There are several ways you can protect yourself and your family from COVID-19. The World Health Organization recommends the following: 

• Wash your hands frequently
• Maintain a six-foot distance from people that do not live in your home
• Wear a mask in public settings
• Stay away from large groups
• Avoid unnecessarily travel
• Stay home if you are sick
• Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze and cough

We hope the above information was helpful. As we all continue to navigate through the pandemic, the more information we have, the better prepared we can be.

If you would like to talk about whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, please give us a call at 508-746-8600.