A new study out from China suggests that wearing glasses may help protect you against Covid-19.  The study appeared in JAMA Ophthalmology, a medical journal, but what exactly does it mean? Ophthalmologists say there isn’t enough information to recommend that everyone begin wearing eye protection along with their masks. We do know that the Coronavirus can spread through the eyes if an infected person sneezes or coughs near you or if you touch infected objects without washing hands.

The Link Between Eyeglasses and Covid-a9

Researchers in China noticed a predominance of sick patients did not wear glasses. Curious because the majority of the population is nearsighted, of 276 patients that were admitted to hospitals over a 47 day period, only 16 had nearsightedness that required wearing glasses more than 8 hours a day. The regional population shows more than 30% of people wearing glasses due to nearsightedness.

I t could be that glasses serve as a reminder to avoid touching your eyes or that they act as a partial barrier, protecting eyes from the splatter of a cough or sneeze. It could also mean that those wearing glasses are older and stay home more to protect their health or that they can afford glasses and thus, live in less crowded spaces.

Should You Wear Eye Glasses?

It may be too soon to know for sure if everyone should wear eye protection like frontline health workers, but you may want to switch back to glasses if you are a contact lens wearer. In any event, its important for everyone to make sure they wear masks, wash hands frequently and social distance. And don’t forget not to touch your eyes, ears, noses or mouths without first washing your hands thoroughly.

For more information regarding coronavirus and eye health, visit: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/coronavirus.

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Sources:

aao.org

jamanetwork.com