New evidence suggests that the surface of the eye may be resistant to Covid-19 infection.

A study led by researchers at Washington University in St. Louis experimented on 25 corneas of human donors and found that they proved to be resistant to Covid-19. 

As were still learning about Covid-19, there have been many questions about how the virus spreads and different ways a person can get infected. While the general advice of being cautionary not to touch your mouth, nose or eyes circulates from the CDC, researchers are experimenting on how the virus is being transferred. 

The human corneas tested, which are the transparent dome that protects the iris and pupil, also were exposed to Zika virus, and herpes simplex virus. The experiment showed that there was no sign of COVID-19 replication, but the other 2 viruses were able to replicate. “The cornea and conjunctiva are known to have receptors for the novel coronavirus, but in our studies, we found that the virus did not replicate in the cornea” says author and senior ophthalmologist Rajendra S. Apte. The team isn’t entirely sure as how this is possible but infers that it is “likely regulated by a distinct antiviral pathway”. 

We may find in the future that eye coverings are unnecessary to protect against the virus. As these findings are only preliminary, health professionals shouldn’t assume otherwise and still wear protective eyewear. It is important that we still take the extra precautions to protect ourselves as we are still learning about the nature of the virus.

At Scottsdale Eye Physicians and Surgeons we are striving to make sure we are taking the right steps forward in protecting our patients and staff. We are following CDC guidelines at our practice and our Doctors as well as numerous staff members have already received their Covid-19 Vaccination. If you have any questions about the Covid-19 procedures at our office please call our front desk at 480-994-1872.