PHOENIX — When you wake up and pop your contact lenses in for the day, you probably don't think too much about it. But with COVID-19, you should.
Contact lens wearers tend to touch their faces a lot. And each time you do, you are risking the chance of infecting yourself with the virus.
Coronavirus symptoms include fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Someone with the virus may also have aches, pains, congestion, a runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. But the one symptom that may surprise you? Conjunctivitis, or pink eye.
It is very rare, but it does happen. The American Academy of Ophthalmology reports conjunctivitis develops in 1% to 3% of coronavirus patients.
So how can you protect yourself – and your eyes – from COVID-19? The American Academy of Ophthalmology has some critical information for you.
Another way to give yourself a small layer of protection is to wear your glasses. Doing that could help shield your eyes from infected respiratory droplets.
World-renowned retina specialist Dr. Mandi Conway said having your eyes protected (and a facemask on) is critical. She also said if you are a contact lens wearer, you should switch to dailies and make sure to only use them once.
Dr. Conway's practice, Arizona Retinal Specialists, is taking extra precautions right now. They are seeing fewer patients, in part because of all the cleaning measures the staff has implemented.
If you continue wearing contact lenses, follow some simple guidelines to limit your chances of infection. And be sure to stay home, stay connected, and flatten the curve.
