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Researchers in China have discovered that individuals who put on glasses look like at decrease danger of catching COVID-19. The authors of the research, revealed in JAMA Ophthalmology, seen that for the reason that coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan in December 2019, few sufferers with spectacles have been admitted to hospital affected by COVID-19. To analyze additional, they collected information on the carrying of glasses from all sufferers with COVID-19 as a part of their medical historical past.

Their small research discovered that solely 16 (5.8%) of the 276 sufferers admitted with COVID-19 wore glasses for greater than eight hours a day. As they decided that each one these sufferers have been short-sighted, they subsequent appeared up the proportion of individuals with myopia (short-sightedness) in Hubei Province, the place the hospital is positioned. They discovered this to be a lot bigger (31.5%), indicating that the proportion of short-sighted COVID-19 hospital admissions was over 5 instances decrease than is likely to be anticipated from that inhabitants.

This can be a fascinating commentary, however as with all single research the outcomes have to be handled with warning. Whereas eye safety has all the time been an essential element of private protecting gear (PPE), the magnitude of distinction reported by this research raises suspicion. This isn’t to say that the outcomes will not be actual, however relatively that we shouldn’t begin advising large-scale behavioural adjustments (reminiscent of carrying goggles alongside our face masks) till they’ve been independently confirmed.

Are eyes a window for the virus?

One of many key steps for any viral an infection is the preliminary entry into the physique. Whereas most of our physique is roofed with protecting pores and skin, which may be very efficient at stopping viruses or micro organism crossing into our physique, far thinner “membranes” cowl our airways, digestive system and eyes. The function of those thinner membranes is to permit exterior issues reminiscent of oxygen, meals, and within the case of eyes, gentle, into our our bodies. Sadly, viruses have discovered to make the most of these entry factors.

That is the rationale PPE is designed to guard these entry factors, by using face masks, goggles and protecting clothes. Nonetheless, whereas we’d think about that the principle assault on these areas comes from viral particles transmitted by the air as aerosols, the principle manner that viral particles get to those weak factors is definitely by way of our arms. Therefore the COVID-19 recommendation to clean our arms typically, for 20 seconds or extra, and keep away from touching our faces.

It subsequently is sensible that protecting our eyes with glasses could supply further safety, each from the virus that could be carried in different folks’s breath, but additionally in stopping wearers from touching their eyes. Certainly, way back to February there have been studies of individuals catching COVID-19 by not suitably defending their eyes in healthcare settings. Additionally it is recognized that related factors of entry into the physique (ACE-2 receptors) favoured by the coronavirus are additionally current within the eyes.

Ought to we begin carrying goggles?

A crucial a part of deciphering any proof coming from observational research is remembering that correlation (two issues occurring collectively) doesn’t essentially imply causation (one factor causes the opposite). To check for causation, a managed trial or take a look at is now wanted.

Ideally, this could observe two rigorously matched teams of individuals – some carrying glasses and a few not carrying glasses – to see which group will get contaminated extra typically. Proof from such a managed trial will all the time be far stronger than proof from an observational research reminiscent of that within the latest paper.

We should additionally observe that the authors of this research listed numerous weaknesses. It was a really small research at a single website. The researchers’ information for the overall inhabitants got here from a a lot earlier research on a pattern that was not precisely matched (by way of age, demography and different elements) to their pattern admitted to hospital with COVID-19. And so they couldn’t assure that each one the folks with short-sightedness within the normal inhabitants additionally wore glasses for greater than eight hours a day.

So though this new research may be very fascinating, there are many causes to be cautious about this outcome. We definitely want extra information earlier than any recommendation might be given about carrying goggles alongside our face masks.

Simon Kolstoe doesn’t work for, seek the advice of, personal shares in or obtain funding from any firm or organisation that will profit from this text, and has disclosed no related affiliations past their tutorial appointment.