Maragakis said this would mean there would be a stronger protective effect from goggles or a face shield, but future studies are needed to show that effect.
Wei and colleagues offered a biological explanation -- namely that angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 is on the ocular surface, where SARS-CoV-2 can enter the human body. It may also be transported to "the nasal and nasopharyngeal mucosa through continuous tear irrigation of the lacrimal duct, causing respiratory infection." Indeed, ocular manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 were reported, and the virus was detected in patient tears.
