Posted by: LaserVue LASIK & Cataract Center in Category: LASIK,Eye Health,Vision Correction Questions
6 Facts You Need to Know if You Wear Contact Lenses During COVID-19
Everyone is doing what they can to limit the spread of germs right now, and that includes touching our faces as little as possible. But for over 45 million people in the US who wear contact lenses every day, it’s not just a habit — it’s a necessity. Many people who rely on corrective eyewear to see clearly have a lot of questions and concerns about staying safe during the pandemic.
So, what should you do? Should you stop wearing contact lenses completely? If you become sick should you continue to wear contacts? Do your glasses offer you any protection from potential pathogens?
Our eye care experts at LaserVue Eye Center are here to answer all of these questions and more, below:
1. Contact Lenses Do Not Increase Your Risk of Contracting COVID-19
Simply wearing contact lenses does not put you at a higher risk of contracting Coronavirus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) put this concern to rest early on, stating there’s no evidence to suggest that people who wear contacts have an increased risk.
Anyone who actively practices strict social distancing, proper hygiene, and avoids touching their face will be as safe from possible infection. That said, some health care experts do advise temporarily switching to glasses from contacts because it will decrease direct contact of your hands to your eyes.
2. Wash Your Hands Before and After Putting Contacts In
If you feel comfortable continuing to wear your contact lenses make sure to take extra care in washing your hands with antibacterial soap and warm water before and after touching your face. This can help reduce the spread of any germs, including the coronavirus.
3. Stop Wearing Your Contact Lenses If You Suspect You Have COVID-19
If you wear contacts and develop COVID-19 symptoms, do not continue to wear your lenses. You should also be advised to dispose of any contacts, liquid solutions, and lens case you used leading up to feeling sick. If you begin to feel symptomatic, you will want to revert to wearing eyeglasses and start with a fresh new pair of contact lenses after you are fully recovered.
4. Eyeglasses are Not Considered Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
It has been confirmed by the CDC that COVID-19 can be transmitted through your eyes. Many people have begun wearing eye shields and other personal protective equipment (PPE) to combat this risk. Unfortunately, eyeglasses are not considered adequate personal protection by the CDC, and extra precautions are required to keep your glasses clean and sanitized for your safety.
Many individuals working in the healthcare field relay on large eye shields and masks that fit over their eyeglasses for added protection.
5. Wash Your Eyeglasses with Soap and Water
Washing your hands and eyeglasses regularly throughout the day with gentle soap and warm water is an easy and effective way to reduce the spread of germs. Washing your glasses with soapy water and letting them air dry can also help reduce lens fog when wearing a face mask. The soap will leave behind a translucent film that repels the moisture when you breathe out from fogging your glasses.
6. Personal Hygiene is Essential to Staying Healthy During COVID-19
The number one way to stay healthy is to limit your exposure to potentially harmful germs. This involves limiting how often you touch your face and thoroughly washing and drying your hands regularly.
Remember to empty the old contact solution out of your lens case every day, and wash it with gentle soap and water before adding fresh solution. It is also highly advised to replace your contact lens case every month.
Schedule a Free Virtual LASIK Consultation with LaserVue Eye Center
Are you considering ditching your contact lenses or eyeglasses and finding a permanent solution to your vision problems? At LaserVue Eye Center we are dedicated to continuing to provide our Bay Area patients with the highest quality care — virtually!
Schedule a free virtual consultation with our eye doctors at LaserView Eye Center and take the first step towards vision correction with LASIK laser eye surgery. All our virtual consultations are free, no-obligation, and social distancing approved!
