Bengaluru: With Covid-19 spreading gradually, renowned ophthalmologist and healthcare Dr. K. Bhujang Shetty has advised those wearing contact lenses to switch to eye glasses as a preventive measure.
“Though facial mask is mandatory as a preventive measure against the dreaded coronavirus, not many know that the virus can also enter the body through eyes. Wearing glasses or spectacles reduces the spread of the virus,” said Dr. Bhujang Shetty, Chairman, Narayana Nethralaya.
Although it is more likely that people may catch coronavirus infections through mouth and nose, there are chances of the virus also entering through eyes. “In a day, humans tend to touch their face and eyes almost 20 times an hour knowingly or unknowingly. Users of contact lenses end up touching their eyes and face frequently, increasing the risk of infections. Therefore, it is advisable that they switch to eye glasses until the situation improves,” he explained.
Further, Dr. Shetty added, “Wearing spectacles, like masks, will protect you from coronavirus by preventing the virus droplets from coming in contact with your eyes. As a precautionary measure, we should also wear eyeglasses as an additional protection gear when we step out of or homes.”
In the US, which has been hit hard by the virus, the American Academy of Ophthalmology has recommended contact lens users to switch to glasses/spectacles.
For the sake of aesthetics, if people continue to wear contact lenses, they must wash hands frequently or use a hand sanitizer, and avoid touching face or rubbing their eyes.
Why eye glasses now?
Coronavirus can enter the human body when people touch their face after coming in contact with infected surfaces, such as, doorknobs, keys, tables and other outside objects.
Glasses provide extra protection by shielding eyes from any coronavirus virus particles that may be floating in the air.
For healthcare workers, face covering glasses are compulsory.
Contact lenses can cause irritation and itching leading to facial touch.
For more information, please contact:
Dr. K Bhujang Shetty
Chairman and Managing Director, Narayana Nethralaya
M: 9845010204, Website: narayananethralaya.org/
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