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Our eyes may play an important role in the spread and prevention of the new coronavirus outbreak seen throughout the world, eye doctors and health experts say.

To cut your personal risk of contracting the new coronavirus, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. It is the mucous membranes (membranes that line various cavities in the body) that are most susceptible to transmission of the virus.

To avoid unknowingly infecting others with the coronavirus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends that Americans wear cloth face masks when out in public.

You may have heard somewhere that looking at a computer, smartphone or other digital screen for long periods of time will permanently damage your eyes. Thankfully, this is like the old adage about “ruining your eyes” from watching too much television or sitting too close to the TV: it’s simply not true. However, you probably notice some uncomfortable effects from staring at your screen too long.

Digital-related eye strain affects people of all ages. If you spend hours a day using digital devices, you might notice your vision blurs, and your eyes feel achy and tired. You may also find your eyes become dry, and will tear or sting. This eye strain is no different from the symptoms you may have when reading, writing or doing “close work” like sewing for long stretches of time.

Our eyes are among the more sensitive parts of our bodies—and among the most vulnerable, too. According to a 2015 report from the Vision Council of America, more than 75 percent of American adults require some form of corrective vision device, and a significant 2008 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that approximately 27,000 individuals experience work-related eye injuries each year.

However, it’s not just trauma or needing a new prescription that should have you heading to the eye doctor. From itchiness that won’t go away to sudden vision changes, we’ve consulted with top eye health experts on the eye symptoms you can’t afford to ignore. And to separate the fact from the fiction when it comes to your peepers, check out these 13 Health Myths About Your Eyes You Need to Stop Believing.

If you are visiting your ophthalmologist’s office for routine eye care or for an urgent need, you may feel nervous about venturing out during the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). Rest assured that ophthalmologists, like all medical professionals, follow strict hygiene and disinfection guidelines.

The eyes are not only the windows to your soul: They may also provide pretty good insight into your overall health. In fact, changes your doctor detects in your eyes can flag conditions like diabetes, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, and maybe even your risk for Alzheimer’s — not to mention ocular diseases, which can sneak up on you.

Our eyes are among the more sensitive parts of our bodies—and among the most vulnerable, too. According to a 2015 report from the Vision Council of America, more than 75 percent of American adults require some form of corrective vision device, and a significant 2008 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that approximately 27,000 individuals experience work-related eye injuries each year.

However, it’s not just trauma or needing a new prescription that should have you heading to the eye doctor. From itchiness that won’t go away to sudden vision changes, we’ve consulted with top eye health experts on the eye symptoms you can’t afford to ignore. And to separate the fact from the fiction when it comes to your peepers, check out these 13 Health Myths About Your Eyes You Need to Stop Believing.