Eye Care During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Eye Health Care Tips - Your eyes help you see the world and you cannot compromise on their safety no matter what the situation is. 

And because preventive care for your eyes may be delayed amid the nationwide coronavirus lockdown, therefore you must take additional measures to keep them protected from the highly infectious coronavirus.  

Note that the following preventive measures are suggested but remember, avoiding a visit to the doctor may not be a good idea in case you are facing major eye problems. You may opt for online appointments if possible but seeking medical advice is a must in such cases. 

Read ahead the necessary precautions: 

1. Avoid Touching Your Eyes

Experts advise not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth as it increases the risk of the virus entering your body. Also, many people infected with coronavirus have witnessed eye problems like conjunctivitis or viral pink eye. 

So you must remind yourself that the virus may spread by touching the fluid from an infected person’s eyes and take care of yourself and others by taking necessary precautions.  

2. Avoid Wearing Contact Lenses

It is not proven that you may be at a higher risk of getting infected with novel coronavirus if you wear contact lenses. But still, it is advised not to use them as it increases the number of times you touch your eyes than an average person.

Opt for glasses whenever you can as they won’t cause irritation to your eyes and also stop yours from reaching your eyes in case you unknowingly tend to touch them. 

3. Create A Backup For Medicines

Experts recommend people to stock up the critical medications if they are taking any so that they don’t face any problem during self-quarantine. It may not be possible for all to do this, but if you can get medicines for eyes for more than a month amid lockdown, then you should do it timely. 

4. Switch To Wearing Glasses

Wearing glasses is advised not only because they won’t cause irritation to your eyes, but also because they act as a shield to protect you from infected respiratory droplets.

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It is also true that you can not completely rely on glasses to seek protection, as the infection can still reach your eyes from the top, sides, or other exposed spaces. Still, safety goggles may prove to be a better defense than naked eyes in case you are taking care of an infected person. 

5. Follow Social Distancing And Hygiene Practices 

It is important to follow general guidelines in order to keep yourself and everyone surrounding you safe from the virus. Read the guidelines issued by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention):

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water or hand sanitizer (60% alcohol) 
• Do not touch your face (eyes, nose, mouth)
• Make sure to wash hands before and after eating, using the restroom, blowing your nose, coughing, and sneezing
• Use a tissue when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of it in a closed bin after use. 
• Follow social distancing rule when stepping out of your homes or when around an infected person (at least 6 feet distance)
• Stay indoors when sick
• Disinfect frequently used items in your house such as remote, mobile phones, doorknobs, chairs, tables, etc.  

Read Here In Detail: Social Distancing Guidelines to Fight Coronavirus in India

6. Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes

Many people have a habit of rubbing their eyes every few hours. It might be difficult to get rid of this habit immediately, but doing so will reduce the risk of you getting infected with the coronavirus. If you feel like rubbing your eyes, then use a tissue. Use eye drops for dry eyes as it is one of the major causes of rubbing. Also, wash your hands properly with soap and water before and after in case you have to touch your eyes. Wash them for at least 20 seconds. 

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7. Cut Your Nails Short

It is not healthy to keep long nails as a lot of dirt may accumulate under your nails that may also act as a storage space for the coronavirus. 

And if you miss cleaning this area while washing your hands with soap and water and accidentally rub your eyes, then it may either cause injury or let the coronavirus infection enter your eyes through your fingertips.  

Apart from the above mentioned preventive measures, you must also do some exercises to keep your eyes relaxed. You can massage them, use a cucumber patch in case your eyes are feeling heavy, or simply do a 20-20 rule. 

The 20-20 rule says that you must give your eyes a break for 20 seconds every 20 minutes to concentrate on an object that is 20 meters away from you. 

These practices will not only prevent your eyes from digital strain during the lockdown, but also make them exercise from time to time. 

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Stay Safe, Stay Healthy!