As the world continues to struggle with surges of COVID-19 alongside seasonal flu outbreaks, our attention naturally turns to the known protocols—masking, sanitizing, and social distancing. But amidst this heightened focus on respiratory health, have you ever caught yourself rubbing your eyes in public and instantly panicked, “Wait, what if I just exposed myself to COVID?”, I sure have! While we’ve masked up, sanitized hands religiously, and avoided touching elevator buttons with bare fingers, most of us have ignored a crucial entry point for viruses—our eyes.From foggy glasses to burning dryness behind masks and marathon screen-time fatigue, your eyes have silently endured the pandemic’s worst. But here's the thing: your eyes aren’t just tired—they might actually be vulnerable to viral infection.Your eyes are not only a window to the world, but also a possible gateway for infections like COVID-19. According to Dr. Anurag Wahi, ophthalmologist and eye surgeon, “The eyes are mucous membranes, just like the nose and mouth. They are exposed, vulnerable, and often touched without thinking. That makes them a potential entry point for viruses.”While the primary transmission route for COVID-19 is through respiratory droplets, scientific studies and clinical observations have confirmed that SARS-CoV-2 can enter the body through the eyes. This happens when droplets land directly on the ocular surface during a cough or sneeze—or when a person touches a contaminated surface and then rubs their eyes.Dr. Wahi explains, “We’ve seen patients with conjunctivitis and mild eye irritation test positive for COVID-19. Though eye-related symptoms are rare, they’re a warning sign that the virus can travel through ocular routes.”More transmissible variants of COVID-19 have increased the likelihood of infections spreading even via minimal exposure, making eye hygiene and awareness more crucial than ever.Unexpected Effects Of Long-Term Mask Use on EyesOne of the lesser-known side effects of long-term mask use—especially poorly fitted masks—is mask-associated dry eye (MADE). When a mask directs air upward across the eyes, it speeds up tear evaporation. This results in redness, burning, irritation, or blurry vision, which may feel like mere discomfort but can indicate compromised ocular health.“The issue became particularly evident among healthcare professionals who wore masks for prolonged periods,” says Dr. Wahi. “The lack of moisture and increased air flow over the eye’s surface led to an increase in dry eye cases.”The problem is compounded by excessive screen time—a consequence of remote work, virtual classes, and increased digital consumption. Extended screentime can significantly reduce blink rate, affecting tear production and worsening dryness.Smart Ways to Protect Your VisionKeeping your eyes safe doesn’t require complex tasks, just informed action. Here's how you can keep your eyes safe and healthy:1. Keep Hands Off Your EyesIt may sound basic, but avoiding unnecessary eye contact with your fingers is one of the most effective protective habits. Always wash your hands before handling contact lenses or applying medication. “People underestimate how often they touch their eyes unconsciously,” warns Dr. Wahi.2. Use Protective EyewearFor healthcare workers, public-facing professionals, or those entering high-risk environments like hospitals, glasses or face shields offer an extra layer of protection against airborne droplets.3. Tackle Dryness With Eye DropsIf you’re experiencing irritation or blurry vision, lubricating eye drops can help. Choose preservative-free artificial tears to restore moisture. Also, ensure your mask is properly fitted. A snug fit over the nose—with a pinched wire—minimizes upward airflow.4. Follow the 20-20-20 RuleTo reduce digital eye strain, follow this golden rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It gives your eye muscles time to reset and recover, helping you blink naturally and maintain tear function.Warning Signs You Shouldn’t IgnoreSymptoms like persistent redness, irritation, light sensitivity, or blurred vision shouldn’t be brushed off as screen fatigue. These signs may indicate dry eye syndrome, allergies, or even early signs of ocular infection.Dr. Wahi cautions, “If symptoms persist for more than a day or two, or if they worsen, it’s important to see a specialist—especially if you’ve had a recent illness, fever, or exposure to COVID-19-positive individuals.”Timely intervention can prevent complications and also ensure the symptoms are not related to systemic infections or autoimmune flare-ups triggered by the virus.Don’t Overlook the Eyes in Your Hygiene RoutineWe’ve come to associate pandemic hygiene with sanitizers, soap, and masks, but our eyes remain one of the most neglected entry points. This has to change.“Eye care should be integrated into your daily COVID protection habits,” says Dr. Wahi. “Especially with newer variants and rising cases, it’s essential to treat the eyes not just as visual organs—but as parts of the body that need shielding, too.”From children attending online classes to older adults stepping out for essentials, eye protection must become mainstream, not optional.The pandemic has taught us that no part of our body operates in isolation. The eyes are connected not just to our nervous system, but to our immune defense as well. Neglecting them can leave us vulnerable in ways we didn’t expect.And it’s not just about preventing COVID-19. Dry eyes, eye strain, and poor visual hygiene can lead to chronic problems if ignored. Preventive measures now can safeguard your long-term vision health.Dr. Anurag Wahi, Ophthalmologist, Eye Surgeon and Senior Consultant at Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals, Delhi in India