Coronavirus: Attention to Eye Hygiene

The Turkish Ophthalmological Society (TOD), representing Turkish eye physicians, highlighted that transmission of coronavirus occurs through the mouth, nose and eyes, and issued a warning that greater attention must be paid to eye hygiene. TOD also issued a specific warning to contact lens users. The statement came from Prof. Dr. Erdal Yüzbaşıoğlu, Head of the Ocular Infections Unit at the Turkish Ophthalmological Society. Noting that coronavirus is transmitted to a person through three routes—mouth, nose and eyes—Yüzbaşıoğlu said, "Transmission occurs through respiratory secretions. The virus, which spreads to the environment during coughing, sneezing, laughing or speaking, comes into contact with the mucous membranes of a healthy person. The virus can be transmitted through inhalation or eye contact, as well as by touching our mouth, nose or eyes with our hands."

Contact lens users must be more careful

Noting that contact lens users in particular are in more intense contact with their eyes, the Head of the TOD Ocular Infections Unit stated that "they should adhere to hygiene rules with even greater care than usual." Prof. Yüzbaşıoğlu said, "Considering that the virus can survive on surfaces, hands should be washed and dried before putting on lenses, and should not touch anything else; wet hands should not contact lenses. Lens solutions should be changed on time, and another person's lenses should not be worn, even for trial purposes."

What should we do to protect our eyes?

Prof. Dr. Erdal Yüzbaşıoğlu listed his recommendations as follows:

• Let us never forget that the eyes are one of the three most important transmission routes; let us minimize contact between our hands and our mouth, nose and eyes as much as possible.
• Never touch our mouth, nose and eyes unless we are certain our hands are clean.
• Wash our hands frequently and correctly with soap for at least 20 seconds, cleaning the fingertips, spaces between fingers and under the nails.
• Maintain a one-meter distance, referred to as 'social distancing,' when in contact with others.
• Act carefully to prevent transmission through the eyes even when wearing a mask over our mouth.
• Stay away from crowded places.
• Since the disease currently has no known cure or vaccine, keep our immune system strong. Consume foods rich in vitamin C and eat well and in a balanced manner. Pay attention to regular sleep.