Contact Lens Wearers and COVID-19: Is There a Connection?

With the COVID-19 situation still an ongoing issue, a majority of people have had to make significant changes in their daily lives. In fact, many are still concerned about the possible ways the virus can spread, including contact lens wear. Eyes on Norbeck, the trusted optometrist in the area, answer your concerns here.

There is No Actual Connection

While there are still concerns about the pandemic, there is no evidence that suggests wearing contact lenses will put you at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 compared to using eyeglasses. Recent research and statements by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Optometric Association (AOA) corroborate this. Experts in eye health reinforce that contact lens use is still a safe and effective way to correct vision for millions of people. You just have to make sure you’re wearing and caring for your contacts properly–and this means keeping your hands clean at all times.

Practicing Good Hand Hygiene

Compared to wearing eyeglasses, contact lens use will involve touching the eyes and face more. The rumored connection between contact lens wearers and COVID-19 stems from this fact. But there’s just one simple way to dampen this specific concern–practicing proper hand hygiene whenever you’re putting on or removing the lenses. Here’s what to do:

1. Prior to contact lens insertions and removal, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, then dry them with unused towels. This eliminates the likelihood of microbial contamination transferring to your contacts.
2. Are water and soap unavailable? You can use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol instead. Additionally, contact lens wearers should regularly disinfect biweekly or monthly lenses.
3. In the event that a person is experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, or have tested positive for the virus, they should cease contact lens wear promptly and switch to glasses for the time being.

Aside from a thorough computer vision exam, Eyes on Norbeck can also handle your contact lens needs. When you visit our clinic for top–tier eye care solutions, you can count on us to perform the necessary, additional steps in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, ensuring a safe and healthy environment. We serve Rockville, MD and the nearby areas. Call us today at (301) 238-7199 or fill out this contact form to schedule your eye consultation.