We all know that respiratory viruses, including (novel coronavirus) sars-cov-2, are mainly transmitted through the respiratory tract, but in fact, these viruses can also enter our nose and respiratory tract by infecting the eyes or through the nasolacrimal duct.
In March, 2020, Markus Hoffmann of the University of Gottingen in Germany proposed two key molecules for the invasion of novel coronavirus, namely, angiotensin-dependent invertase 2 (ACE2) receptor protein and transmembrane serine protease (TMPRSS2).
In July of the same year, Zhou Lingli of Johns Hopkins University and others detected the above two molecules in human keratoconjunctival epithelial cells and limbal stem cells, which provided preliminary molecular evidence for novel coronavirus infection through the eyes.
However, why do most people infected with novel coronavirus not have eye related symptoms? According to the analysis of scholars, it is mainly related to the protective effect of tear film on conjunctival epithelial cells. Tear film can prevent novel coronavirus from binding to the receptor protein on the surface of epithelial cells, thus reducing the possibility of virus invasion into the eyes.
Can wearing glasses reduce
Risk of novel coronavirus infection?
In September, 2020, Chinese scholars published an article on JAMA Ophthalmology (ophthalmology of American Medical Association) to analyze the relationship between daily wearing glasses and susceptibility to novel coronavirus. The results showed that the proportion of patients with new coronal pneumonia who wear glasses for a long time (>8 hours) a day (5.8%) was far lower than the proportion of myopia in the local population (31.5%), suggesting that the people who wear glasses daily were less likely to be infected with novel coronavirus.
However, the sample size of this study is very small and needs further improvement.
Recently, researchers from University College London issued 19166 community questionnaires to analyze the correlation between wearing glasses and the risk of novel coronavirus infection. The survey results showed that among all participants, 22.99% of those who never wore glasses were infected with new crowns, but only 15.63% of those who wore glasses for a long time.
Compared with people without glasses, people who wear glasses for a long time have a 15% lower risk of contracting the new crown.
The results of the two groups of studies seem to tell us that wearing glasses can reduce the risk of novel coronavirus infection, but the facts still need higher levels of evidence-based medical evidence.
Although the mechanism of eye infection by novel coronavirus is still under study, the above results suggest that we should always pay attention to eye protection during the epidemic.
How to carry out eye protection during the epidemic?
√ wash hands frequently, disinfect frequently and rub eyes less
Always pay attention to hand hygiene and eye hygiene to avoid infection caused by rubbing eyes with hands exposed to virus. Pay attention to washing hands with hand sanitizer or soap after returning to public places, coughing, covering hands, and defecating before and after meals.
√ reduce going to crowded places
Especially in places with poor air mobility, wear goggles if you have to go.
√ pay close attention to eye conditions
If there are symptoms of red eyes, tears and increased secretions, do not take it lightly or be too nervous. Pay close attention to the changes of eye conditions. If necessary, go to the eye clinic on the premise of personal protection. If there are subsequent symptoms such as fever and cough, it is recommended to go to the designated hospital for treatment.