Experts say that the Corona virus can be spread through your eyes, therefore, we have gathered some important safety information to protect your eyes during the Coronavirus outbreak plus how you can prevent the spread for yourself & others.
Coronavirus spreading through eyes
Corona virus causes a severe respiratory illness with symptoms including fever, shortness of breath and a cough. These symptoms do not appear until 2 โ 14 days after you have been exposed, corona virus can develop into pneumonia.
Corona virus can cause pink eye or conjunctivitis, however, it is very rare, therefore, if you see someone with pink eye it does not mean that they have the virus. Health officials believe that 1% to 3% of people develop pink eye who have the virus and it can be spread by someone who has the virus by touching discharge from their eyes.
How to prevent the spread of Coronavirus
Please remember although there is a lot of concern currently with the coronavirus common sense precaution can help reduce the risk of getting infected. Washing your hands and following good contact lens hygiene practises, avoid touching your face.
Changes to your routine eye exam or appointment
If you are booked for an eye exam you may be nervous about going to one of our branches. Optometrists sit face to face with many patients daily and during an exam the doctors face will be a few inches away from yours but rest assured that us, like all medical professions are following strict hygiene and cleaning guidelines for the safety of our customers.
Please contact your eye doctor if you are running low on medication and we can help you urgently.
Other Eye Safety Tips for Coronavirus:
- If you wear lenses, switch to glasses for now.
- Wearing glasses will help add more protection
- Make sure you have enough medicine for any eye conditions
- Avoid rubbing your eyes
If you do need to itch your eye or even adjust your glasses, use a tissue. Dry eyes can lead to more urges to itch or rub your eyes so considering using moisturizing drops to help stop these urges and itching your eyes. Make sure you wash your hands first before touching your eyes.