5 WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR EYES DURING COVID-19
COVID-19 mainly spreads through droplets from a cough or a sneeze, but it can also enter the eyes, nose and mouth. You’re likely to get it if you touch your eyes after touching any object that has the virus on its surface. Keep your eyes healthy during the pandemic and prevent contracting the virus by following these 5 simple tips:
- Resist touching or rubbing your eyes
Avoiding touching your face, especially your eyes, is a hard habit to break but it helps lower your risk of getting the virus. If you must touch your eyes, use a clean tissue or wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, first. Then wash them again after touching your eyes.
- Switch to eyeglasses
Did you know that contact lens wearers are more likely to touch their faces than eyeglass wearers? Wearing your eyeglasses can actually stop you from doing this because you would need to move them first before getting to your eyes. Plus, it provides you an extra layer of protection from respiratory droplets! If you still prefer to wear contact lenses, just remember to avoid touching your face and practice proper contact lens hygiene.
- Stock up on your eye medicine
With the quarantine, you may be faced with two things – difficulty in finding available stock for your medicine or not being able to go out to purchase at a drugstore. If you have maintenance eye medicines, contact your pharmacist right away and don’t wait until you’re about to run out.
- Wear goggles or face shields
Protective goggles should be worn if you’re caring for a sick person. If you’re going to work or running an errand, protect your eyes with a face shield. These don’t provide 100% protection on their own, but these can help shield your eyes from respiratory droplets. Make sure to disinfect them regularly after each use.
- Red eyes? Call your ophthalmologist.
Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye or sore eyes, is one of the possible symptoms of COVID-19. But don’t panic, take note of any symptoms you’re experiencing and teleconsult with an eye doctor to get the right diagnosis and appropriate treatment. To avoid conjunctivitis, remember to wash your hands more often and avoid rubbing your eyes. It is important to avoid self-medicating because you might worsen your condition by using the wrong medication.
