The Risk of Coronavirus Infection Through Your Eyes

The Risk of Coronavirus Infection Through Your Eyes

Becoming infected with the coronavirus that causes Covid-19, known as SARS-COV-2, through the nose and mouth makes sense. But how can you become infected with it through your eyes? 

Via Aerosol Transmission 

Coronavirus enters the nose, mouth, and eyes through aerosol transmission. This transmission happens when respiratory particles, or droplets, are propelled through the air when a person coughs or sneezes without covering his mouth and nose. The respiratory droplets can travel through the air as an aerosol, and others inhale them. 

These airborne particles can land on nearby surfaces and, thus, contaminate them. You can become infected with the coronavirus when you touch a contaminated surface and touch your eyes afterward. 

Via a Connection Between the Eyes and Nose 

But how can coronavirus enter your respiratory system through your eyes? First, note that the eyes have linings of mucous membranes with thick protective fluid. The membranes stop dirt, debris, and pathogens from entering your eyes and body. 

The eyes have tear ducts, known as nasolacrimal ducts, which drain fluids into the nasal cavity. When you’re weeping, you will also have a runny nose and difficulty breathing because there’s fluid flooding your nose.  

The mucous membranes and the tear ducts become the entry points for pathogens like the coronavirus to enter your eyes and nose. From the nose, it can enter your respiratory system, particularly your lungs.  

There’s the belief that the virus may spread through tears. While there’s no hard evidence yet, experts suggest that persons suspected to be infected with Covid-19 or diagnosed as infected should take extra precautions. They should carefully dispose of their dirty tissues used in wiping their eyes, nose, and mouth and disinfect all surfaces they have touched.  

If you’re using eyeglasses or contact lenses from PearleVision, you should be extra careful about touching your eyes. It would be best to disinfect your hands with alcohol or wash them with soap and water before and after handling your eyewear. You don’t want to transfer germs from contaminated surfaces to your eyes!  

These steps are essential in preventing conjunctivitis infections. Studies have shown that up to 3% of Covid-19 patients experience eye infections. Most of these infections were conjunctivitis,  known as pink eye, which may require eye medications. 

The coronavirus pandemic isn’t something to be dismissed as a hoax! But, unfortunately, its risks are all too real, and it’s best to protect yourself against them.