Coronavirus infections can spread through eyes and also harm vision, so people must know good practices

Eye care is a matter of concern for all of us, including children, adults, or aged persons. The Covid-19 pandemic can spread through the eyes, mouth, and nose. The eyes are the most essential part of our body and they may be affected by the coronavirus infection.

Eyes have mucous membranes which are most susceptible to the transmission of the virus. Guarding eyes, hands, nose, and mouth can slow the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

As we know, Covid virus can enter the human body through the nose, eyes, and mouth. So, when an individual, who is already infected with Covid, coughs, talks, or sneezes, the virus quickly spreads through the nose and mouth to those who are standing in front of them. The other person is likely to breathe in those infectious droplets through their mouth and nose. This is known as a ‘Droplet Infection’.

The droplets can also enter the body through the eyes as well. Also, an individual can get infected by touching the eyes after they have touched something that has the virus on it. So if the virus enters the body through the eyes, the infected eyes can develop Conjunctivitis.

To ward off eye infections during the Covid-19 pandemic, one may consider nutritious foods for maintaining eye health, as a good and balanced diet is an essential part of maintaining eye health. The overall fitness of the eyes depends on certain nutrients, such as vitamins A and C, bioflavonoids, carotenoids, omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, and antioxidants. Eating rich foods can help one to keep eyes functioning at their best for a longer time, as well as help prevent various eye problems.

Those who wear contact lenses can switch to eyeglasses, as according to a research, those who wear contact lenses often touch their eyes more than a normal person. Switching lenses to glasses can decrease irritation and force one to pause before touching your eye. If one continues wearing contact lenses, the person must follow the lenses care tips to limit chances of infection.

Also, people should keep their nails short, as it is not hygienic to have long nails, since a lot of dirt can accumulate under the nails. It can store deadly infections of the Covid virus, if the area is not cleaned with soap and water. This can affect health and eyes too; nails can cause an injury to the eye and the dirt can be transferred into the virus under the nails and can lead to a major infection.

One must avoid rubbing eyes. Against the feeling of itching or rubbing eyes or even adjusting glasses, one may use a tissue instead of hands. Sometimes, dry eyes can lead to itching and irritation, but one must follow a routine that should include a moisturizing eye drop so it can give relief to dry eyes. If one touches eyes for any reason, the person should always clean hands for at least 20 minutes.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, screen time has increased in adults and children. It can be a risk of developing computer vision syndrome and this may result in dry and red eyes with increased tears. The screen time of children should be limited to prevent ocular conditions. However, online classes increase the screen time of children on digital devices. At last, the children should not be allowed to see the computer or smartphone for at least 60 minutes before going to bed.

Also, there should be a strict avoidance of sharing of the cosmetic products such as kohl, mascara, eyelash curler, eye makeup-brushes, etc. Apart from Covid-19, one could get other infections by frequently sharing cosmetic products.

Eyes should be rinsed regularly, as it is always advisable to wash hands regularly. However, rinsing the eyes with plain or saline solution is also helpful in keeping them safe and clean. Also, one must learn to differentiate between Covid and seasonal allergies, for the outbreak of the pandemic can make one worrisome with symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, slight temperature, or eye irritations. However, one should not panic and rush out for getting medical help without verifying the Covid symptoms like shortness of breath, caught, sore throat, chest pain, tiredness, etc.

The pandemic has forced us to change our unhealthy routines and transfer into a healthy and good life. This healthy routine helps us to get better and heal us from the trauma of Covid-19. After practicing the healthy routine, still one may face any kind of eye problems like redness, pink eye, or itching, in that case, the patient should get in touch with an ophthalmologist.

(The author is a senior consultant, Sharp Sight

Eye Hospitals)