COVID 19: Maintaining Safe Contact Lens Hygiene and Alternative Vision Care Guidance

Hello! Let's help you navigate these unusual times while mntning your vision care.

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Although COVID-19 has significantly altered our dly lives, the fundamentals of contact lens care remn unchanged. The U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC underscores that proper hygiene protocols should continue to be adhered to, emphasizing there is no evidence to suggest contact lens wearers are at a higher risk for acquiring COVID-19 compared to those who wear eyeglasses 1. Therefore, if you're healthy and following your eye care professional's guidelines, you can safely mntn your regular contact lens use.

Practicing Safe Lens Hygiene

Regardless of the typedly disposables or multi-use lensesthe CDC's guidance on mntning clean hands, disinfecting surfaces, and applyingcleaning contacts hasn't changed. Prior to handling your lenses, make sure your hands are washed thoroughly and dry. Your contact care routine should be performed over a cleaned and sanitized surface 2.

Switch to Glasses if Affected by COVID-19

If you become ill or suspect having contracted COVID-19, it's recommed that you discontinue contact lens wear and opt for eyeglasses instead 4. For those without backup glasses, contact your eye care provider; despite many offices being closed due to the pandemic, they may still offer essential services including glasses. You might not even need an appointment if your prescription is on file.

Act upon Running Out of Contact Lenses

Stay-at-home orders and office closures can impact regular contact lens checks but mntning communication with your eye care professional is crucial. If you're running low or near the expiration date of your contact lens prescription, reach out immediately to ensure that you have access to necessary supplies.

Expert Guidance

The Centre for Ocular Research and Education published an insightful paper, COVID-19: Important Considerations for Contact Lens Practitioners, which compiles findings from over 100 referenced sources 5. The summary of their key points includes:

1. Mntning contact lens wear is safe.

2. Hygiene practices are paramount.

3. Regular eyeglasses provide no protective benefit agnst the virus.

4. Keep your hands clean, especially when handling lenses or touching your face 3.

5. Stop wearing contacts if you're ill and use glasses instead.

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Protect Your Eyes. Avlable at: https:www.cdc.govcontactlensesprotect-your-eyes.html. Accessed April 22, 2020.

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Frequently Asked Questions: Should contact lens wearers take special precautions to prevent COVID-19? Avlable at: https:www.cdc.govcovid.https:www.cdc.govcovid

3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Frequently Asked Questions: Is contact lens disinfecting solution effective agnst COVID-19? Avlable at: https:www.cdc.govcoronavirus2019-ncovfaq.html#how-protect-yourself. Accessed April 22, 2020.

4. COVID-19 and contact lenses: the facts you need to know. COVIDEyeFacts.org. Accessed April 22, 2020.

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