People who wear glasses could be up to three times less likely to be infected by coronavirus, a study from India has suggested.
One way the virus can enter the body is by people touching their eyes, nose or mouth after coming into contact with it.
However, researchers in India say people who wear glasses rub their eyes less and are therefore at less risk of contracting Covid-19.
In a non-peer reviewed study published on the website medRxiv, the researchers studied 304 people (223 male and 81 female) at a hospital in northern India over two weeks last summer. The patients were aged between 10 and 80 and had all reported Covid symptoms.
Of those, 19 per cent said they wore glasses most of the time.
The researchers found participants touched their face up to 23 times each hour on average and their eyes an average of three times per hour.
They found the risk of contracting Covid-19 was two to three times lower among those who wear glasses.
“Touching and rubbing of the eyes with contaminated hands may be a significant route of infection," the report said.
"Long term use of spectacles may prevent repeated touching and rubbing of the eyes."
Doctors have previously recommended that people who wear contact lenses switch to glasses to avoid potentially passing coronavirus from their hands to their eyes.
Latest Stories
-
19 steps for getting over even the most devastating breakup fast
3 hours -
8th Ghana CEO Summit launched with focus on AI transformation, economic diversification
3 hours -
Prof Opoku-Agyemang has not been given a fair appraisal – Ablakwa
3 hours -
Rainstorm wreaks havoc in Keta and Anloga districts, residents count their losses
3 hours -
Global Plastics Treaty negotiations begin in Ottawa as countries converge on phasing out problematic plastic uses
4 hours -
Support energy alternatives adoption to sustain businesses – GUTA tells government
4 hours -
11th DRIF opens in Accra with a call on governments to focus on digital inclusion
4 hours -
Stakeholders outline plans at RE4C Coalition’s General Assembly in Accra
4 hours -
Women Need ‘shock observers’ for active political participation – Ex-Bauchi Assembly Member
4 hours -
2024 polls: Stop fighting over positions in Mahama’s next government – Asiedu Nketiah
4 hours -
Although people may not always listen to the lyrics, there’s still a market for rap in Ghana – E.L.
4 hours -
Passengers appeal to transport operators to officially announce new fares
4 hours -
Damongo: About 400 NPP Members resign over Minister’s alleged meddling in chieftaincy affairs
5 hours -
Next NDC government will pay special attention to women – Naana Opoku-Agyemang
5 hours -
Amerado is singing and it’s good he’s doing that – Lyrical Joe
5 hours