How is the new coronavirus related to your eyes?
The relationship between the transmission of the coronavirus and your eyes is complicated.
It’s thought that coronavirus spreads from person to person mainly through airborne “respiratory droplets” produced when someone coughs or sneezes, much like the flu virus spreads. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby, and possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
These droplets also can be spread to your eyes when you touch your face and then your eyes with unwashed hands. Medical experts believe someone can contract this virus by touching a surface or object, such as a table or doorknob, that has coronavirus on it and then touching their mouth, nose or possibly their eyes. This is why the World Health Organization recommend diligently washing your hands for 20 seconds or more with warm water and soap.
Symptoms
Based on data so far, doctors believe that 1%-3% of people with COVID-19 will get conjunctivitis, also called pinkeye. It happens when the virus infects a tissue called conjunctiva, which covers the white part of your eye or the inside of your eyelids. Symptoms include if your eyes are:
- Red
- Swollen
- Itchy
If you have conjunctivitis, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have COVID-19. The more likely causes are the many different viruses, bacteria, chemicals, and allergens that can irritate your eyes.
Many forms of conjunctivitis go away with over-the-counter treatments in about 1-2 weeks.
But if you also have a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, ask your doctor what, if anything, you should do. Call before you head to a hospital or a medical center to see if it’s safe for you to visit and for any instructions for your arrival.
How the Infection Spreads
The new coronavirus, named SARS-CoV-2, gets passed on primarily through droplets from a cough or a sneeze. These particles most often enter through your nose or mouth as well as your eyes. It’s also possible to catch the virus if you touch a contaminated countertop, doorknob, or other surfaces. But this doesn’t seem to be the main way the virus spreads.
If you have conjunctivitis from COVID-19, you may infect others if you touch your eyes and then touch people or surfaces without washing or disinfecting your hands. Avoid touching your face, especially the mucous membranes in your mouth, nose, and eyes.
How to Protect Your Eyes
Like everyone, be sure to wash your hands often and stay home whenever you can. If you go out, keep 6 feet away from others. It also may be a good idea to:
Wear glasses
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends contact lens wearers switch to glasses temporarily as a way to reduce their risk of contracting the virus that causes COVID-19, the respiratory disease that can be fatal.
Contact lens wearers touch their eyes more often than those sporting glasses, the ophthalmology group says.
The American Optometric Association, though, says contact lenses are safe as long as the wearer follows directions for lens care.
If you wear contact lenses, switch to glasses for a bit. That may help keep your hands away from your eyes. Also, the lenses may help protect your eyes from any respiratory droplets. If you don’t wear glasses, try sunglasses. According to World Health Organization, if you’re caring for someone ill, then wear safety glasses or goggles.
Don’t rub your eyes
It can be a hard habit to break. Moistening drops may help ease itchiness. Wash your hands for 20 seconds before and after you do it. If you must touch your eyes, use a tissue instead of your fingers.
Clean your hands often
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, eaten, used the restroom, blown your nose, coughed or sneezed.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as much as possible, but especially with unwashed hands.
Reduce your exposure
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home if you’re sick — except to get medical care.
Cover coughs and sneezes
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
- Throw used tissues in the trash.
- Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Wear a face mask that covers your mouth and nose if you are sick.
Clean and disinfect surfaces
Current evidence suggests that novel coronavirus may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces made from a variety of materials, the CDC reports. Cleaning of visibly dirty surfaces followed by disinfection is a best practice measure for prevention of COVID-19 and other viral respiratory illnesses in households and community settings.
At least some coronavirus can potentially remain viable — capable of infecting a person — for up to 24 hours on cardboard and up to three days on plastic and stainless steel.
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