Patients are asking about contacts and COVID-19
A number of our patients have contacted us regarding concerns about wearing contact lenses during this pandemic. Specifically, they have heard that wearing contact lenses can increase the risk of getting COVID-19.
Are contact lens wearers at greater risk of COVID-19?
Currently, there is NO clinical evidence showing that contact lens wearers are more susceptible to coronavirus.
What can contact lens wearers do to protect from COVID-91?
Contact lens wearers must always practice good hand washing. This helps keep your eyes healthy and has always been the BEST defense against the transmission of any infectious organisms.
Using soap and water, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.
Follow this by drying your hands with
a clean towel or paper towel. Doing so will reduce the contamination from your
hands to contact lens and eyes.
Contact lens cleaning and COVID-19
In addition to proper hand washing, cleaning your contact lens and case is also important. One way in which you can disinfect your case is by submerging it in boiling water for one minute. You should do this at least once a week.