Study Highlights 3 Ways to Slow COVID-19 Spread, Including Eye Protection

A new study highlights the importance of personal protective equipment and physical distancing in slowing the spread of COVID-19.

Researchers looked at physical distancing, face masks and eye protection in relation to virus transmission, the American Optometric Association reports. The examined studies conducted in both healthcare and non-healthcare environments and covering coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome and Middle East respiratory syndrome.

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Three approaches in particular were found to make a difference, AOA notes:

• Physical distancing. Transmission was reduced with distancing of 1 meter or more, and greater distance led to more protection.
• Face masks. Their use “could result in a large reduction in risk of infection with stronger associations with N95 or similar respirators compared with disposable surgical masks or similar,” AOA reports.
• Eye protection. Equipment such as such as goggles and face shields was linked to less infection.

The researchers, including several from McMaster University in Ontario, published their findings online this month in The Lancet.

The findings are in line with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and AOA recommendations,, said Andrew Morgenstern, OD, director of AOA’s Clinical Resources Group.