Nerd Immunity is Real!

By Linda Hasbro

Those who wear glasses with a mask know how frustrating it can be to keep them from fogging up. You may even be tempted to remove them at times, just so you can see where you’re going.

But when it comes to protection against COVID-19, a new study has found that wearing glasses may be worth the frustration.

According to a report by WKYC 3, multiple studies have shown that of the people who contract COVID-19, those who wear glasses at least eight hours a day make up a lesser percentage of that group than those who don’t wear glasses.

The report cited Professor Yam Bar-Yam of The New England Complex Systems Institute who said: “If something lands in your eye, it can go through a duct that goes down into your nose and that’s how it might infect you.”

WKYC 3 cited a study published this month in India, which looked at 304 COVID-19 patients. The author says “about 40% of India’s adult population wears glasses, but only 19% of the people infected with coronavirus wore glasses.” The conclusion reached by the researchers was that “the risk of COVID-19 was about 2 to 3 times less in the spectacles wearing population than the population not wearing them.”

WKYC 3 again cited Professor Bar-Yam, who said: “Probably one of the main pieces is that the air particles will get deposited on your glasses as well as you might not touch your eyes a little bit, but it’s really important to know that this is in addition to wearing a mask.”

Bar-Yam added that these results “mirror a previous study he saw from China.”

Researchers further warn that while it’s sometimes “jokingly” referred to as “nerd immunity,” spectacle wearers must understand that because there is space between the frames and your face, “glasses are not a full-proof protection.” Professor Bar-Yam agrees saying, “Of course, wearing goggles is even better than wearing glasses,” WKYC 3 cited.

So in light of that, here’s yet another warning the report revealed: “If COVID-19 particles are being blocked by your glasses, or other eye covering,” it must be assumed that the virus may have settled on your glasses.

Professor Bar-Yam said this: “You should definitely – if you’re wearing glasses or goggles – you should wash them with soap after you use them,” adding, “If you go into a place where you might be exposed to virus particles.”

Even if you’re wearing glasses and a mask, the report reminded us of the ongoing warning health experts have been proclaiming since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. “You still need to wash your hands regularly and social distance.”