How Wearing Eyeglasses May Reduce the Risk of Contracting Coronavirus

According to a study from China, the proportion of coronavirus patients who wore eyeglasses was significantly lower than that of the general population. This seems to suggest that people who wear glasses may be at lower risk of catching the virus. This, however, does not mean that you should start wearing glasses if you do not need them.
 

Though not as protective as face masks and goggles, eyeglasses may provide a barrier against coronavirus. Glasses will prevent you from touching your face, which will reduce your risk. However, more research is necessary. Other factors could explain the link between eyeglasses and a lower risk of contracting COVID-19.
 

Needing eyeglasses to go about your day-to-day activities can be quite annoying. However, according to a recent study, eyeglasses wearers may have an added layer of protection during the pandemic. The Chinese study mentioned above looked at 276 hospitalized patients suffering from coronavirus. According to the findings, less than six percent of those patients regularly wore glasses. All of them had nearsightedness or myopia.
 

According to estimates, the proportion of the population that needs glasses is 31.5 percent. The study suggests that those who wear glasses may be less likely to contract coronavirus. This suggests that your eyes may be a potential infection route for the virus. Therefore, you need to pay more attention to preventative measures. These include avoiding touching your eyes and frequent handwashing.
 

Eyeglasses May Act as a Barrier Against COVID-19

The nose and mouth, as well as the eyes, are potential entry points for viruses and bacteria. This is why doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals wear goggles. It is part of their normal personal protective gear.
 

It is not quite clear how easily you can contract COVID-19 through your eyes. According to a June review in The Lancet, eye coverings such as visors, face shields, and goggles might significantly reduce COVID-19 infections.
 

According to Dr. Anthony Fauci, you should use an eye shield if you have it. Eyeglasses are not as protective as a shield or goggles; however, they may provide some of the same benefits.
 

Eye Protection

Healthcare professionals should wear goggles or face shields, along with face masks, to minimize the risk of contracting coronavirus. Health guidelines, however, do not require the use of eye protection for the general public. You should not wear a face shield as a substitute for a face mask.
 

Behind the Link

Research is necessary to determine why eyeglasses may lower the risk of coronavirus. Researchers, however, hypothesize that wearing eyeglasses discourages people from unnecessarily touching their eyes. Consequently, it reduces the chances that they will transfer the virus from their hands to their eyes.
 

The cells of your eyes contain receptors that can allow coronavirus to enter your body. Doctors have detected the virus in the eyes of many coronavirus patients. Researchers need to consider any unintended consequences of a recommendation to wear eye protection.
 

To learn more about protecting your eyes, visit Abraham Eye Associates at our offices in Villanova, Pennsylvania. You can also call (484) 209-0800 to book an appointment today.