Why is there so little discussion about protecting our eyes against COVID?

[zuul]

We’ve all seen the videos of how tiny droplets can spread through the air as we breathe or talk or cough. Since it’s a given that we can breathe in these droplets, why is so little attention paid to eye protection? Are our eyes not susceptible too?

I saw an article, probably earlier this year, that suggested that people who wear glasses are less likely to become infected, but as I recall, it wasn’t based on a real study and seemed to be mainly anecdotal.

I have laboratory goggles, but I stopped wearing them once I was vaccinated. I never stopped wearing a mask in public. Now I feel a little silly for neglecting my eyes. I think it’s time to wear the goggles again.

[DURHAM D]

1. I have had these for about 15 months -

https://www.etsy.com/listing/810654142/july-blowout-sale-authentic-black-face?ref=pla_similar_listings_top_ad-1&plkey=bd3aa23306f4d9890950cc045c235de1b81b8dab%3A810654142&frs=1

Stopped using the eye shield several weeks ago but am now using the shield again.

[hlthe2b]

2. I have been preaching this from the start and there are several well documented case studies

In one, a person (a physician) who wore an N95 mask early on in cross country plane travel, had been tested negative twice in the week before boarding the plane and contracted COVID-19, 5-7 days after the plane trip. He commented on his concern about not having worn glasses at the time, given he always did in his hospital ER and ICU.

It is well known that the mucous membranes of the eyes is a vulnerable route for respiratory pathogens--thus the protocol for all of us in the ER to wear a full N95 mask plus goggles/glasses and now shields.

I have told everyone who will listen to me to wear glasses (even sunglasses) when spending extended time in small enclosed spaces-- like an airplane-- along with an N95 mask or equivalent. I even do so in the grocery store and have throughout. I owed it to my patients to take every precaution, including now-- above and beyond vaccination

For the life of me, I don't know why CDC (and WHO) have chosen to ignore this vulnerability.

[dawg]

3. I don't know.

Sometimes I throw on my reading glasses or sunglasses in addition to my mask. I figure, why not?

[Pobeka]

4. Because, the virus design attaches to cells in the nose most effectively?

Last edited Sat Jul 24, 2021, 05:56 PM - Edit history (1)

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100215658307#post5

Please see hlthe2b's response to my post.

[hlthe2b]

5. Nonsense. Ace-2 binding sites are prevalent in ocular tissue as well. The point is we don't know

how much risk is conveyed via the ocular route, but we do know it can happen.

Animal studies have confirmed binding and the real answer is we aren't sure how much risk is attributable to the ocular route of transmission. What we do know is that tearing and the presence of IgA in ocular secretions (as well as other ocular substances) might inhibit some transmission as has been seen with other respiratory-transmitted viruses. Conversely, the degree to which that may be an added risk factor in those with keratitis sicca (dry eye) or other ocular conditions is likewise not known.

The fact is that there is a reason that infection control in hospital ERs and ICUs have required eye protection for decades for respiratory-transmitted disease. Not only because it is a plausible route for either droplet or aerosolized virus transmission, but one documented for many infectious agents.

There is a lot more to learn about this issue, but the smart money is on adding that level of protection in the event of extended exposure to others in enclosed spaces with questionable air exchange, as on airplanes.

[Ms. Toad]

6. Ditto the "smart money is on adding that level of protection"

whatever a minimally invasive additional layer is.

(I have not spent any time studying this aspect of transmission - but I wear glasses all day so I don't need to in order ot protect myself.)

[Pobeka]

8. Thank you for that. I had read the nasal cell info from a news report.

I should've checked it out more fully.

[John Ludi]

7. Swimming goggles

are in my Covid bag. Prior to the vax I was wearing them in all enclosed spaces...and may end up doing so again. And they have the added appeal of making me look odd to the point of scaring most people off.

Regular goggles too...but I blocked all the little vent holes in them as well. The fit of those can be a bit tricky...I've noticed when walking the air can be sucked into the sides of them where they only almost touch my skin unless I tighten the straps to the point of pain. I reinforce those areas with cloth taped on the edges and it's made them pretty airtight.

[Midnight Writer]

9. I wear wrap around safety glasses when I go into businesses, along with a KN-95 mask.

I found some with magnifying lens in the bottom half, and they are really handy for reading labels.