Coronavirus and Your Eyes: What You Should Know

As respiratory viruses like COVID-19 continue to circulate, it is important for Paradise and greater Las Vegas area residents to understand how these illnesses can affect your eyes and what precautions can help protect your vision and overall health.

COVID-19 and similar respiratory viruses spread from person to person through droplets produced by coughing, sneezing, and talking. These droplets can enter the body through mucous membranes, including those in the nose, mouth, and eyes. Understanding the connection between your eyes and respiratory illness can help you take practical steps to stay healthy.

How Can COVID-19 Affect Your Eyes?

COVID-19 primarily causes respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and in acute cases, complications such as pneumonia can develop. However, the virus can also cause eye-related symptoms.

Viral conjunctivitis, or pink eye, has been reported as a symptom in a small percentage of COVID-19 cases. Conjunctivitis involves inflammation of the membrane covering the front of the eyeball, causing red, watery, and itchy eyes. If you develop pink eye along with respiratory symptoms, contact your eye doctor before visiting the office so the staff can prepare appropriately for your visit.

What Steps Protect Your Eyes from Respiratory Viruses?

• Avoid rubbing your eyes. Although this is a common habit, touching your eyes can introduce viruses from your hands. If you must touch your eyes, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds first.
• Tears can carry viral particles. Wash your hands after touching your eyes and avoid touching surfaces where tears may have fallen.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, countertops, and phone screens. These surfaces can harbor viral particles that transfer to your eyes through hand contact.

Should You Wear Glasses or Contact Lenses During an Outbreak?

Some contact lens wearers consider switching to glasses during times of increased illness. Eyeglasses may provide a partial barrier if someone coughs near you. However, glasses are not sealed around the eyes like safety goggles, so viral particles can still reach your eyes from the sides, top, and bottom of the frames. Glasses alone should not be relied upon as infection prevention.

If you continue wearing contact lenses, follow these guidelines to reduce risk.

• Wash your hands thoroughly before inserting or removing lenses.
• Follow your prescribed cleaning and replacement schedule carefully.
• Do not switch your contact lens brand or solution without consulting your eye doctor.
• Consider keeping a backup supply of lenses and solution on hand to avoid running out during times of limited availability.

How Should You Clean Your Eyeglasses During Illness Season?

Viruses can remain on hard surfaces for varying periods. Since you touch your glasses frequently throughout the day, keeping them clean is an easy precaution. Gently wash the lenses and frames with warm water and a small amount of dish soap, then dry them with a clean microfiber cloth. People who use reading glasses may need to be especially mindful, as they tend to handle their glasses more often.

Should You Stock Up on Eye Medications?

During periods of illness or quarantine, it is helpful to have an adequate supply of any eye medications you use regularly. If insurance limitations prevent stocking up, request refills as soon as you are eligible rather than waiting until you run out. Continue following your doctor’s instructions for all medications, and do not skip doses.

How to Manage Digital Eye Strain While Spending More Time Indoors

When spending more time at home, screen time tends to increase for both adults and children. Extended use of computers, tablets, and smartphones can lead to symptoms of digital eye strain, including tired or sore eyes, blurry vision, double vision, and headaches. These symptoms may indicate a need for an updated prescription or simply a change in screen habits.

To reduce digital eye strain, try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Position your screen at arm’s length and slightly below eye level. Make a conscious effort to blink regularly, as people tend to blink less when focused on screens.

How Much Screen Time Is Safe for Children?

Children may use digital devices more frequently during times when outdoor activities and social interactions are limited. Limiting recreational screen time and encouraging regular breaks can help reduce eye strain. Try to have your child take a 10 to 15 minute break every hour of screen use, and stop all screens for at least 60 minutes before bedtime.

When possible, encouraging children to spend time outdoors is beneficial for visual development and overall health. Follow local guidelines regarding outdoor activities in your area.

When Should You Contact Your Eye Doctor?

If you develop eye redness, pain, discharge, sudden vision changes, or symptoms of pink eye, particularly alongside respiratory illness, do not delay seeking care. Contact your eye doctor by phone before visiting in person so the office can provide appropriate guidance and prepare for your visit.

For questions about your eye health or to schedule an appointment, contact Insight Vision Optometry, Las Vegas at 702-747-4070 or visit www.insightvisionlv.com.