CONTACT LENSES AND COVID-19
April 13, 2020
COVID-19 is the major news topic right now. With the abundance of information out there it’s easy to stumble upon advice that is misleading, or just plain wrong. Regarding contact lenses, the message we want to give you is that contact lens wear is safe . As always, it’s important to follow certain precautions while wearing contact lenses (thanks to Johnson and Johnson, makers of Acuvue brand contact lenses for producing the following fact sheet. More information can be found here.
- Contact Lens Wear is Safe . Despite myths and misinformation that have arisen in recent reports, contact lens wear remains a safe and highly effective form of vision correction for millions of people worldwide.
- Proper Hand Washing is Essential . When using contact lenses or spectacles, careful and thorough hand washing with soap and water followed by hand drying with unused paper towels is paramount. For contact lens wearers, this should occur before every insertion and removal.
- Disinfect Contact Lenses . Contact lens wearers should either dispose of their daily disposable lenses each evening, or regularly disinfect their monthly and two-week lenses according to manufacturer and eye care professional instructions. A helpful guide for patients can be downloaded from the clinical insight section of this issue of contact lens update.
- Disinfect Spectacles and Glasses . Some viruses such as COVID-19 can remain on hard surfaces for hours to days, which can be transferred to spectacles wearers’ fingers and faces. This especially holds true for presbyopes (people generally over the age of 40). Most presbyopes require reading glasses and they may be putting them on and off their face multiple times a day. This age group appears to be among the more vulnerable population for being more seriously affected by COVID-19, as compared with contact lens wearers, who are typically younger.
- Discontinue Lens Wear Only if Sick . Ceasing contact lens wear when sick is advised, consistent with guidance for other types of illness.
- Spectacles are Not Proven to Offer Protection . There is no scientific evidence that wearing spectacles or glasses provide protection against COVID-19 or other viral transmissions.
Discover evidence-based myopia control options, from specialized lenses to Ortho-K. Learn how Mountain View Optometry creates personalized plans to protect your child's long-term eye health.
Artemis II has flown around the Moon, and scientists are now turning a lot of attention to what we learned about vision and eye health on the trip. Here’s the quick takeaway.
Many cases of dry eyes are more complex than they appear. A proper diagnosis is essential to ensure your treatment is prescribed appropriately to manage your specific condition and all related factors.
Smooth, tighten, and refresh your eyelids without surgery. Discover how Jett Plasma treatment reduces wrinkles, lifts sagging skin, and restores a more youthful, confident look.
Experience colour like never before. Book an EnChroma consultation in Calgary to test glasses designed for colour blindness and try them in real life before you buy them.
Struggling with double vision or eye strain? Discover how prism glasses help align vision and improve everyday comfort.
Discover the top lens coatings that improve clarity, comfort, and durability. Learn which coatings are worth it for your glasses and lifestyle.
Online glasses may look like a bargain, but poor fit and subpar lenses can lead to discomfort and blurry vision. Here's what to watch out for.
Explore your intraocular lens (IOL) options after cataract surgery. Learn the pros, cons, and benefits of each type to make the right choice for your vision.
Think you don't need an eye exam if you have perfect vision? Learn why regular eye exams are essential for your overall health and long-term eye comfort.
