Can I keep wearing my contact lenses?

You can keep wearing your contact lenses.

Currently there is no scientific evidence that contact lens wearers have an increased risk of contracting COVID-19 compared with glasses wearers.

What are some of your advice to contact lens wearers?

Good hygiene is important.

Avoid touching your nose, mouth, eyes and face with unwashed hands. Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling your contact lenses. To review proper wearing and caring for contact lenses you can watch this contact lens training video by Acuvue, a leading contact lens company. Also, make sure you are replacing your contact lens cases regularly as well.

Can I continue wearing contact lenses if I’m sick?

If you are sick, temporarily stop contact lens wear.

Contact lens wearers who are ill should temporarily revert to wearing glasses. You can resume use with a fresh pair of contact lenses and lens case once you return to full health. As your eye health practitioner this is also why we always recommend our contact lens wearers to have a pair of glasses even if they mostly wear contact lenses.

Is contact lens disinfecting solution effective against COVID 19?

Hydrogen peroxide-based systems (Such as Clear care) for cleaning, disinfecting, and storing soft and hard contact lenses should be effective against coronavirus.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) there is currently not enough scientific evidence to determine the efficacy of other disinfection methods, such as multipurpose solution and ultrasonic cleaners, against the virus. Hydrogen peroxide-based cleaning system is available at Eyelab.