Eye Injuries During Protests Are an Emerging Public Health Problem
- At June 26, 2020
- By Pamela Myhre
- In Eye Health, Eye safety, Uncategorized
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Written By: Susanne Medeiros
Life-altering eye injuries are an increasingly common result of urban protests and demonstrations. We have seen it around the world, from Kashmir to Chile to Hong Kong — and we now see it in the United States. The American Academy of Ophthalmology this week called on members of Congress to restrict the use of rubber bullets after more than 20 Americans across the country suffered serious eye injuries while peacefully protesting.
This Academy urged leaders of the House and Senate Committees on the Judiciary to support our call against rubber bullets as they consider police reform measures. Here’s a map of states, counties and cities that have already taken action on rubber bullets.
Tracking eye injuries from rubber bullets
To determine how many people have sustained eye injuries or lost sight due to their participation in protests, the Academy and University of California San Francisco have launched a registry through the school’s ophthalmology department.
Here’s what we’ve learned so far:
Low Risk of Coronavirus Spreading Through Tears
- At June 02, 2020
- By Pamela Myhre
- In Eye Awareness, Eye Health
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Low Risk of Coronavirus Spreading Through Tears
Study published today in the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology found no virus in tears of infected patients 3.25.20
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – March 25, 2020 – While researchers are certain that coronavirus spreads through mucus and droplets expelled by coughing or sneezing, it is unclear if the virus is spread through other bodily fluids, such as tears. Today’s just-published study offers evidence that it is unlikely that infected patients are shedding virus through their tears, with one important caveat. No patient had conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, at the start of the study. One patient did develop conjunctivitis during the study. The study’s authors conclude that their findings…