Page 105 - The Indian Digital Edition September-October 2020

outside or in their car instead of the WEAR SUNGLASSES TO ADD A protocols mindfully.
waiting room. LAYER OF PROTECTION HOW CAN THE CORONAVIRUS

 The clinic shall likely restrict the Corrective lenses or sunglasses AFFECT THE EYES?
number of people that enter. can shield the eyes from infected The coronavirus can spread through
respiratory droplets. But it is important
 The temperature of each person/ to keep in mind that they don’t provide the eyes just as it does through the
patient visiting the clinic shall be a 100% security. The virus can still reach mouth or nose. When someone who
checked before they are permitted the eyes from the exposed sides of the has coronavirus coughs, sneezes, or
to enter the premises. pair of glasses. talks, virus particles can spray from
their mouth or nose into one’s face.
 The eye care professional may use a STOCK UP ON EYE MEDICINE One is more likely to breathe these
special plastic breath shield, mask, PRESCRIPTIONS, IF POSSIBLE tiny droplets through their mouth or
gloves, goggles, or a PPE Kit. nose. The droplets can also enter the
Patients must stock up on critical body through the eyes or by touching
PROTECT THE EYES AND medicines like glaucoma drops etc. something that has the virus on it.
OVERALL HEALTH DURING so that they have enough to get by if
COVID-19 they are quarantined or if the supplies It is rare but it may be possible for
become limited during an outbreak. coronavirus to cause a pink eye infection
Guarding one’s eyes, as well as their (conjunctivitis). One must not panic if
hands, nose, and mouth can slow the AVOID RUBBING THE EYES they have caught pink eye. One must
spread of coronavirus. Therefore, it is To resist the urge to itch or rub the immediately contact their eye doctor
necessary to remember to wash hands eyes, or to even adjust the glasses, one and follow the instructions advised by
regularly. Following good contact lens may use a tissue instead of their hands. them. Whether the pink eye is caused
hygiene is important and actions like Dry eyes, allergic eyes, or operated eyes by a virus or bacteria, it is crucial to keep
touching or rubbing the nose, mouth, or can lead to more rubbing, therefore, it is in mind that it can spread if someone
eyes, must also be avoided. helpful to consider adding moisturising touches the sticky or runny discharge

SWITCH FROM LENSES TO drops to the eyes. Especially to from the eyes, or come in contact
with the objects contaminated by the
GLASSES FOR A WHILE administer eye drops, one must first discharge. Wash and sanitize the hands
wash their hands with soap and water
It is to be noted that there is no for at least 20 seconds. frequently and do not share towels,
evidence to suggest that wearing PRACTICE SAFE HYGIENE AND cups, or utensils with others.
contact lenses can increase the risk of SOCIAL DISTANCING Eyes help see the world and one
coronavirus infection. But contact lens cannot compromise their safety, no
wearers do touch their eyes more often Washing hands at regular intervals matter what the situation is. Amid
than an average person who doesn’t are important and effective right the nationwide unrest due to the
wear lenses. Therefore, substituting now. Contact lenses will also not coronavirus pandemic, preventive care
glasses for lenses can decrease be a problem if they are handled facilities may be delayed therefore,
the irritation and refrain one from hygienically, and the wearer will be safe additional measures must be taken to
instinctually touching their eyes. too if they maintain the social distancing be proactive and keep the eyes healthy.

SEPT-OCT 2020 | 101 Eyecare