Faced with the global coronavirus pandemic, several doctors and scientists have wondered if our eyes play a role in the spread of this illness. Indeed, a Chinese doctor reported having contracted the disease because he was treating sick patients without eye protection. Furthermore, the WHO recommends avoiding touching the mouth, nose, and eyes because the virus reaches us through the mucous membranes.
Coronavirus-COVID-19 quickly explained:
This virus appeared in Chinese markets at the end of December 2019, called COVID-19. Coronaviruses are common viruses that can affect both animals and humans. COVID-19 can go unnoticed in some people, cause various mild disorders like a simple cold, or much more serious ones like pneumonia or kidney failure, and in some cases, the virus is fatal.
What is the link between COVID-19 and your eyes?
People affected by the virus may have ocular symptoms. The main signs are red and watery eyes; this is conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the conjunctiva. This is the membrane that covers and protects your eyeball. As with the flu, you may have watery eyes and purulent discharge; this can be viral conjunctivitis.
Please note:
In spring, with the arrival of pollen, many of us are prone to allergic conjunctivitis.
What are the symptoms associated with COVID-19?
The symptoms of COVID-19 are diverse. Generally, they include more or less severe respiratory discomfort, possibly accompanied by fever, coughing, a runny nose, burning eyes with some secretions, headaches... Some people also temporarily lose their sense of smell and taste.
Fortunately, in the majority of cases, the symptoms developed are mild, but in elderly, fatigued individuals with a weakened immune system, these can be serious. In these cases, complications are more common, such as pneumonia, and can be fatal.
How to avoid touching your eyes?
A simple and effective solution is to wear glasses! Especially during the full pollen season!
When going out, don't forget your prescription glasses; don't wear any? Opt for blue light blocking glasses which will not only protect your eyes from UV rays outdoors and from screen light but will also be a valuable barrier against dust, fine pollen particles... They will also be a mechanical barrier: their mere presence will remind you not to touch your eyes! For beautiful sunny days, you can, of course, choose well-covering sunglasses or why not solar or clear protective glasses without correction.
Avoid wearing contact lenses, which tend to dry out your eyes and cause itching.
