Originally Posted by
BillyCarpenter
Can you get COVID-19 through the eyes?
It all comes down to the mucosal membranes. Mucosal membranes line our nose, mouth and upper airways. They help protect us from exposures to the environment when we eat, drink and breathe.
However, the virus that causes COVID-19 (called SARS-CoV-2) can use the cells of that mucosal lining as an entry point.
Droplets too small to perceive can land on the eyes or eyelids, or be accidentally deposited when you rub your eyes with unclean hands. Tears from our eyes drain into the nasal cavities, which is part of the upper respiratory system. This process can cause deposits of the virus on the eyelids to be washed into the respiratory system.
Some infectious disease experts have suggested that wearing goggles or a face shield may provide an added layer of protection against the COVID-19 virus.
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