During this time of pandemic, people are self-isolating and maintaining quarantine standards to stop the spread of COVID-19. As more and more becomes apparent about the coronavirus, medical standards change rapidly. This is a time of concern for patients who worry about the various ways in which this virus can be transmitted. There is plenty of misinformation going around that isn’t helping either. At Advanced Eye Medical, it is our duty to provide all of our patients with the latest and most accurate information possible regarding this medical crisis. One of the biggest questions on everyone’s mind is, “Can Coronavirus spread through eyes?”.
Below, you’ll find some facts about how COVID-19 can be transmitted. Also, we provide tips on whether you should take more precautions to protect your eyes during this time.
More About Respiratory Illnesses
The novel coronavirus is classified as a respiratory illness. In this way, it is similar to the common cold. However, the symptoms can be more severe than a regular cold, and this viral strain is a lot harder to combat as there is not yet a vaccine for it.
Some common symptoms of this virus include:
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing and wheezing
- Mild to strong fever
- Pneumonia-like symptoms
Some people do not experience symptoms for up to 14 days from the time they first contracted the virus. This is why it’s more important than ever to stay away from public spaces, even if you don’t feel sick at all.
There are many different ways that someone can be exposed to the coronavirus. Unfortunately, coronavirus can spread through the eyes. It spreads through the eyes just as easily as it can spread through the mouth, nose, or hands.
Coronavirus and the Eyes
When taking steps to limit your exposure to the outside world, you should include protective measures for your eyes. Your eyes are certainly at risk of exposure during this pandemic for several reasons:
- A person expending breath to cough, speak, or even breathe sends virus particles out from their mouth and into the air. In some cases, these particles can spray directly to another person’s face. They can be exposed by breathing it in, or it can be absorbed through the eyes.
- Touching something that has been infected with the virus – such as a door handle or an article of clothing – and then touching your eyes immediately afterward can cause the virus to spread.
- The eyes are a significant source of exposure for any viral illness.
Take extra precautions to protect all parts of your face, and wear a mask if you need to go out in public for essential reasons. Don’t let the coronavirus spread through your eyes.
Eye Problems Caused By COVID-19
An American Academy of Ophthalmology study linked symptoms of the coronavirus with cases of pinkeye. They stated that one-third of people hospitalized in China due to the virus showed signs of eye-related illnesses as well. Be on the lookout for symptoms of pink eye or conjunctivitis if you are worried that you have been exposed to the virus.
If you are experiencing symptoms of eye irritation, itching, or redness, it’s essential to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor right away. However, you should be aware that most eye doctors are only allowing appointments for those in need of critical care.
Protect Your Eyes at All Costs
If you do need to go out, you need to take precautions to protect your eyes. This means that you should wear glasses instead of contact lenses, as glasses can add a layer of distance between the virus and your eyes.
You can invest in safety goggles if you need to be around a sick or exposed person for a while. This will keep any virus particles from making their way into your eyes. We also highly recommend wearing a mask at this time.
Contact Us for Eye Health Guidance!
If you feel that you have been exposed to COVID-19, please contact us right away to schedule an appointment. In this time of crisis, it is better to be safe than sorry. For more information, contact us online or give us a call at (888) 439-6565.