Thread by @0MaxCooper0

@drj_nc Given that the binding of the spike protein to the ACE2 protein has been established as the mechanism by which cell entry occurs, and that we know this protein is highly expressed in the lung. Mechanistically it makes the most sense for this virus to be contracted through 1/x

@drj_nc pulmonary exposure. While ocular exposure remains a theoretical vector of infection It doesn't seem to be the primary vector given what we know about ACE2 and our nearly 1 year of clinical experience. Bottom line, what does this mean for eye protection? I don't think it's 2/x

@drj_nc necessary for widespread adoption of "universal eye protection guidelines" But, I think it continues to make sense for health care workers like me to "eyeball up" in scenarios that increase our risk. These would include aerosolizing procedures and encounters with 3/x

@drj_nc higher-risk patients. This is the strategy I have been using for the past year and it has kept me infection-free. Universal masking while in public, N95/surgimask combo while at the hospital with the addition of eye protection during higher risk encounters. I'll continue to 4/x

@drj_nc Follow the data as it evolves regarding the various #COVID19 mutations. If there appears to be an increased risk of ocular transmission from these variants I'll reconsider my strategy.

@drj_nc

@drj_nc Not exhaustive but representative manuscript from my recent reading on this.

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/P…