These days, when the coronavirus (Covid-19), which started from Wuhan city of CHINA and affected the world in a short time, also affects our country, it is a matter of curiosity whether the virus is transmitted through eye contact. Eye Health and Diseases Specialist Prof. emphasized the importance of not neglecting our eye health in this process. Dr. U. Emrah Altıparmak also gave advice to those who continue their classes with the distance education system and their parents. Prof. stated that especially young people and children should not have too much close contact with screens. Dr. U. Emrah Altıparmak said, “The time spent using mobile phones, tablets or computers outside of class should be limited. They can spend one hour a day in sunny places such as balconies and windows, and during this time they can rest their eyes by looking away. He said, "When constantly looking at close eyes, fatigue and dryness may occur in the eyes." Stating that it can be transmitted to other people, Prof. Dr. U. Emrah Altıparmak emphasized the importance of hand hygiene. Noting that the information about the transmission of the virus through eye contact is not yet clear, Altıparmak continued his words as follows: “There are scientists who think that the virus that reaches us can reach our respiratory system by touching our eyes, just as it can enter our mouth or nose mucosa. They are not wrong, because the tear system is connected first to the nose and then to the nasal passages through various channels and valves. For this reason, some viral infections of the eye (conjunctivitis) can also cause nasal and throat infections. Adenovirus, which can cause small-scale epidemics at least once every year, is a good example of this. We do not yet know much about whether the coronavirus follows such a path, but various studies have been published that isolate the coronavirus from tears. In this case, it is better to be cautious. If we think our hands are not clean, we should avoid applying it to our eyes.”
Another matter of curiosity is whether the droplets coming into our eyes from the mouth or nose of a coronavirus patient can infect us with the disease. “This issue was not clear for a long time� �� said Prof. Dr. Altıparmak said: “However, publications showing this contamination have also entered the literature. Therefore, it is useful to be cautious and maintain social distance. More importantly, wear a mask and protective glasses. As physicians, we also wear a face shield along with a mask when approaching patients. It is also an option that can be considered for family members who are in quarantine with a sick person.”
IT MAY CAUSE INFECTION IN THE EYE
Altiparmak stated that in studies, a mild infection in the eye develops at varying rates in patients with coronavirus. Conjunctivitis is not much different from other conjunctivitis, and no permanent damage to the eye in the short or long term has been reported yet. So it doesn't seem very important. Of course, other coronavirus complaints accompany coronavirus-related conjunctivitis. For this reason, people who have conjunctivitis do not need to worry about whether they have coronavirus. "It is very important for a person who comes into contact with the tear secretion of a patient with coronavirus to wash their hands properly," he said.
DO NOT NEGLECT HYGIENE
There is no information yet that the coronavirus is transmitted more easily to a person who uses contact lenses. Stating that it has not been published, Prof. Dr. Emrah Altıparmak said, “If contact lens users do not pay attention to hygiene rules, contact lenses can be a way for the virus to be transmitted. If contact lens users are healthcare workers who are in close contact with infected people in daily life, we recommend that they do not use contact lenses until this period has passed. However, people who are in isolation and pay attention to their personal hygiene can continue using contact lenses. Of course, the following rules always apply regarding the use of lenses: lenses should be put on and taken off when hands are clean, no liquid other than solution should come into contact with the lenses (including saliva, tap water, etc.), lens duration should not be exceeded, and they should be removed at bedtime.” p>
PARENTS, PAY ATTENTION TO THESE!
"Finally, we will have some advice for our young people and children under the age of 20 who we isolate at home due to the coronavirus epidemic," said Altıparmak, adding: "We are going through a very different situation in this difficult process." They go through experience. Education has turned into distance education. We know that young ages Looking closely for a long time triggers the development of myopia. It even causes myopia to progress faster in myopic children and young people. In daily life, we were recommending our children and young people to stay away from mobile phones and computers as much as possible and to do activities that look away for at least 1 hour a day, but the conditions have now changed. During this period, they have to use devices such as computers, tablets or phones for education. Time spent using mobile phones, tablets or computers outside of class should be limited. "They can spend one hour a day in sunny places such as balconies and windows, and during this time they can rest their eyes by looking away."
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