Wear Contacts? You Might Want To Switch To Glasses During Virus Outbreak

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(WWJ) - If you wear contact lenses, you may want to switch to your glasses during this pandemic.

The coronavirus can spread through your nose and mouth -- and also your eyes.

"We know that the virus has been detected in tears," said Dr. George Williams, an ophthalmologist with Beaumont Royal Oak.

Williams says during this pandemic, it's recommended to swap your contact lenses for your glasses if possible.

"It's just an opportunity to try and have people keep their hands away from their face," he said. "The people who are wearing contact lenses, commonly the lenses shift a little bit or if they feel a little irritation, they may rub their eye trying to reposition it."

If you're going to wear your contacts, Williams says good hand hygiene is a must. 

Follow these five steps every time, according to the CDC:
  1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
  2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
  3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
  4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
  5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.