Contact lenses: because in this period it would be better to use glasses

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends wearing glasses rather than contact lenses to avoid contributing to the spread of the coronavirus

Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerous

Contact lens wearers, at least during this period, should go back to wearing glasses in order to help stop the spread of the virus. To recommend it are the experts of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. The lenses are not dangerous in themselves but as they induce the need to touch your eyes several times during the day.

Many people find it practical and convenient to use contact lenses. Now, however, some experts warn that it would be better, to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, to return to the old glasses for a while.

How come? According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, wearing glasses can help you stop touching your face, a habit that helps in the spread of any virus, including Sars-Cov 2.

Contact lens wearers not only touch their eyes to insert and remove lenses two or more times a day, but generally rub and scratch them more often than others.

As Thomas Steinemann, an ophthalmologist and clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology told CNN:

"Rub your eyes, then rub your face, scratch your face, put your fingers in your mouth, put your fingers in your nose. Some people are not very hygienic and may forget to wash their hands first "

The glassesin addition, they can also provide a little extra protection (obviously not 100% sure) from any virus particles floating in the air, Steinemann said, although it is much more likely to become infected through the mouth and nose than the eyes.

As Dr. Steinemann points out, that of wearing glasses:

"It's just another preventive means, another way in which you can add a filter to help protect yourself from the coronavirus"

It is difficult to actually get sick with Covid-19 through the virus that enters through the eye. Theoretically, it is possible, the doctor specifies, but there is no proof.

Most likely, this new coronavirus could cause conjunctivitis, a highly contagious condition.

Reports from China and around the world show that around 1-3% of people with Covid-19 also had conjunctivitis.

This is worrying because coronavirus can spread by touching fluid from an infected person's eye or from objects that person has touched.

Of course, not all cases of conjunctivitis are due to the presence of coronavirus. However, if, in addition to this symptom, you notice other telltale signs of a possible Sars-Cov2 infection, such as fever, cough or shortness of breath, it is good to notify your doctor immediately.

Regardless, right now you need to practice good personal hygiene which involves washing your hands many times and not touching your face or rubbing your eyes. Which brings back the advice not to wear contact lenses, at least for a while.

If you really can't do without your lenses, be more careful than usual to practice good hygiene of these tools, then avoid touching or rubbing the nose, mouth and especially the eyes.

If you feel the need to rub your eyes, use a handkerchief instead of your fingers. Dry eyes, then, can lead to itching and therefore to a greater need to touch and scratch, in this case, the experts suggest, it is good to use moisturizing eye drops.

The Veronesi Foundation also confirms the need to pay attention to the use of contact lenses, where possible replacing them with glasses. Leonardo Mastropasqua, director of the ophthalmological clinic and full professor of diseases of the visual apparatus at the Gabriele D'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara who stated:

“Considering that the hands can be the vehicle that carries the virus inside our body, it would therefore be preferable to avoid using contact lenses at this time. If you really can't tolerate glasses, it's best to choose disposable, daily contact lenses. And, before carrying out the operation, take care to wash your hands thoroughly with soap for at least 20 seconds ".

Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology / Veronesi Foundation / Cnn

Read also: