Those who wear goggles with a mask know how frustrating it can be to avoid fogging. You may even be tempted to delete them every now and then so you can see where you’re going.
But when it comes to protection against COVID-19, a new study has found that wearing glasses can be worth the frustration.
According to a report by WKYC 3, multiple studies have shown that of the people who contract COVID-19, those who wear glasses for at least eight hours a day make up a smaller percentage of that group than those who don’t wear glasses.
The report quoted Professor Yaneer Bar-Yam of The New England Complex Systems Institute as saying, “If something gets into your eye, it can pass through a channel that goes down your nose and infect you.”
WKYC 3 cited a study published this month in India that examined 304 COVID-19 patients. The author says, “About 40% of the adult population of India wear glasses, but only 19% of people infected with the coronavirus wear glasses.” The researchers concluded that “the risk of COVID-19 was about 2 to 3 times lower in the spectacle wearers than in the non-wearing population.”
WKYC 3 again quoted Professor Bar-Yam as saying, “Probably one of the most important aspects is that the air particles are deposited on your glasses and you may not touch your eyes just a little bit, but it’s really important to know that this is next to wearing a mask. “
Bar-Yam added that these results “mirror an earlier study he saw from China.”
Researchers further warn that while it is sometimes “jokingly” referred to as “nerd immunity,” eyeglass wearers should understand that because there is space between the frame and your face, “glasses are not complete protection.” Professor Bar-Yam agrees, saying, “Of course, wearing safety glasses is even better than wearing glasses,” said WKYC 3.
So in light of that, here’s another caveat that the report revealed: “If COVID-19 particles are blocked by your glasses or other eye cover,” it should be assumed that the virus may have settled on your glasses.
Professor Bar-Yam said this: “You should definitely – if you wear glasses or goggles – wash them with soap after using them,” adding, “If you go to a place where you may is exposed to virus particles. “
Even if you wear glasses and a mask, the report reminded us of the ongoing warning health experts have been issuing since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. “You still need to wash your hands regularly and socialize.”
READ MORE