Your Eyes and COVID-19

There is a lot of information about COVID-19 symptoms and risks to sift through. At Pearle Vision, we want to make sure you have accurate information on how COVID-19 could potentially affect your eyes. Here is some useful information about the coronavirus disease and your eye health to help keep you and your family safe.

1. COVID-19 can be contracted through your eyes

The coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, is airborne and most often spreads person-to-person through respiratory droplets when a sick person coughs or sneezes. But another way the virus can be contracted is is through contact with an object that a sick person touched, then touching your own eyes.

2. Glasses could help lower your risk of getting COVID-19

Glasses and sunglasses could help protect your eyes from infected respiratory droplets by adding an extra layer of protection. Limiting your contact with your face is crucial right now, and glasses also serve as a great reminder to not touch your face.

There is no evidence to suggest contact lens wearers are more at risk for acquiring COVID-19 than eyeglass wearers so as long as they continue to practice safe contact lens wear and care hygiene habits.

3. Coronavirus may cause pink eye

Pink eye is known to be connected to other respiratory illnesses such as colds and flu. It is hypothesized that it occurs with COVID-19 as well. A recent study in China found conjunctival congestion, also known as pink eye, affects nearly 1 percent of COVID-19 patients. Watch out for symptoms such as redness in your eyes' inner corner, more tears than normal, burning and itchy eyes, and blurred vision.

It’s more important than ever to stay safe and look out for your eye health, and Pearle Vision is here to care for you and your family’s eyes. We’re open for all of your eye care and eyewear needs. Visit your local EyeCare Centre or arrange an exam today.