{"id":24335,"date":"2020-05-12T16:23:07","date_gmt":"2020-05-12T21:23:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.clearly.ca\/thelook\/?p=24335"},"modified":"2021-01-06T17:36:06","modified_gmt":"2021-01-07T01:36:06","slug":"coronavirus-and-your-eyes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.clearly.ca\/thelook\/coronavirus-and-your-eyes\/","title":{"rendered":"Can the coronavirus spread through the eyes?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Social distancing, hand-washing and self-isolation are the buzzwords of the day, all playing a key part in limiting the spread of COVID-19.<\/p>\n

But did you know this coronavirus may also be able to spread through your eyes?<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t worry \u2013 you can still wear your contacts and glasses. But you\u2019ll need to make sure you\u2019re washing your hands before handling them, as well as practicing a regular eyecare cleaning regime.<\/p>\n

In fact, you could be adding another layer of protection simply by wearing glasses, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). Glasses don\u2019t provide complete coverage, but they do provide an added barrier against viruses coming at you head-on.<\/p>\n

We\u2019re learning more of this virus on a daily basis, but what we do know could point to the eyes as a method of spread \u2014 and a place to look for early signs of the disease.<\/p>\n

\"Coronavirus<\/p>\n

What is coronavirus?<\/h2>\n

The novel (new) coronavirus is part of a family of seven known coronaviruses. This new virus causes the disease known as COVID-19. You probably remember the SARS and MERS outbreaks in the not-so-distant past; these were also coronaviruses.<\/p>\n

This coronavirus is respiratory in nature. Its symptoms can range from mild and cold-like to moderate and flu-like, potentially leading to pneumonia, kidney failure or even death in the most severe cases.<\/p>\n

According to the Government of Canada, people with certain medical conditions such as heart or lung disease, high blood pressure, diabetes or cancer \u2014 along with adults over 65 years old and those with weakened immune systems \u2014 are at the highest risk of developing a severe case of COVID-19.<\/p>\n

Most cases involve mild or moderate symptoms, and many people report no symptoms at all. This is one of the reasons Canada continues to encourage social distancing for everyone, not just people who feel sick.<\/p>\n

Can coronavirus enter through my eyes?<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s thought to be very likely that coronavirus can spread through the eyes. However, this isn\u2019t a common method. Airborne respiratory droplets (usually from a cough or sneeze) and person-to-person distances of less than two metres are the most common ways the virus can cause infection.<\/p>\n

The virus can enter your eyes (and more likely, the nose or mouth) after you touch a contaminated object then touch your face, especially if your hands weren\u2019t washed in between.<\/p>\n

Can coronavirus cause eye-related symptoms?<\/h2>\n

We\u2019re hearing more and more about the presence of conjunctivitis, commonly called pink eye, as one of the many symptoms of COVID-19. These cases are relatively uncommon.<\/p>\n

Conjunctivitis can cause eye redness and irritation, and often crustiness and discharge.<\/p>\n

Based on a New England Journal of Medicine study of COVID-infected patients in China, 9 out of 1,009 (0.8%) also had conjunctivitis. The American Academy of Ophthalmology estimates pink eye could occur in as many as 3% of patients.<\/p>\n

Conjunctivitis can also accompany a more common cold or flu, so it\u2019s important to note that pink eye doesn\u2019t automatically mean you have COVID-19.<\/p>\n

What can I do to prevent contracting or spreading coronavirus?<\/h2>\n

For the most up-to-date information, the Government of Canada has set up a detailed COVID-19 portal<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Currently, the government is offering the following suggestions:<\/p>\n

Self-monitor, self-isolate, and isolate\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Monitor yourself closely for symptoms for 14 days if you\u2019re currently asymptomatic and:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n