As the Coronavirus situation appears to linger, more patients seek eye doctors and their primary health care physicians for vision guidance in times like this.
As it concerns the wearing of contact lenses, optometrists and ophthalmologists reiterate that contact lens is safe.
We at Viewpoint Specialist Eye Centres have come up with the following guidelines on how to ensure the safe use of contact lenses during the pandemic.
Contact lens by itself cannot pass COVID-19 to you. However, we advise that wearers should put into practice good hygiene as they handle their contact.
As expected from an average person, a user is in the habit of touching his/her face in the process of removing or inserting the contacts.
Undoubtedly touching your face has the tendency to spread germs.
Perform proper handwashing
Contact lens user is advised to wash their hands thoroughly with water and soap for 20 seconds.
Then followed by drying the hands using paper towels that should be disposed of immediately.
However, this should be practiced before the insertion or removal of it.
In a situation where water and soap and water aren’t readily available, one can make use of hand sanitizer that contains more than 60% alcohol.
As much as possible, avoid touching the eye, mouth, and nose with hands that aren’t washed.
Disinfect contact lenses
Depending on their eye doctors instruction, contact lens wearers should regularly disinfect their lenses or get them disposed of.
Discontinue lens wear if sick
If you are a contact lens user and you are down with symptoms of flu and cold, you should stop the use of your contact.
Glasses may not offer protection
No evidence is yet available on the effectiveness of eyeglasses in offering protection against the transmission of COVID-19.
If your contact lens prescription is getting close to expiration, get in touch with your eye doctor for quick measures.
Individuals with no health-related issues can keep on wearing their contacts duly prescribed by their eye doctors.