People who regularly wear glasses have a moderately lower risk of contracting COVID-19, according to research that highlights the importance of the eye as a route of coronavirus infection.

The findings suggest that eye protection makes a “valuable contribution” to the reduction of virus transmission in healthcare settings, say the British researchers.

The study involved more than 19,000 people who were taking part in the Virus Watch study in England and Wales who responded to a questionnaire on the use of glasses and contact lenses.

From June 2020, participants had been reporting weekly on their COVID-19 status.