Is it Safe to Wear Contact Lenses During COVID-19

/ Stonewire Optometry/
Lady with brown eyes and brown hair is holding eyeglasses in one hand and contact lenses in the other, trying to determine which one is safer to wear during COVID-19

Many contact lens wearers have been asking our optometrist if it's safe to wear contact lenses during the pandemic. Initial reports and rumours noted that contact lens usage might increase one's chance of contracting COVID-19. The theory being that the contact lenses would absorb the virus, allowing it to remain in contact with the eye for a more extended period of time. 

We initially told our patients that contact lens usage was likely to be safe as long as you practice good hand hygiene and good contact lens usage practices. 

The researchers are CORE (Centre for Ocular Research and Education), help to confirm our hypothesis with these 5-facts that every contact lens wearer needs to know: 

  1. You Can Keep Wearing Your Contact Lenses 

    1. There is currently no scientific evidence that contact wearers have an increased risk of contracting COVID-19 compared with glasses wearers.

  2. Good Hygiene Habits are Critical

    1. Thorough handwashing with soap and water and drying are essential, as well as properly wearing and caring for contact lenses, ensuring good contact lens case hygiene, and regularly cleaning glasses with soap and water. These habits can help you stay healthy and out of your doctor's office or hospital. 

  3. Regular Glasses Do Not Provide Protection against Coronavirus

    1. No scientific evidence supports rumours that everyday glasses offer protection against COVID-19, a position supported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

  4. Keep Unwashed Hands Away from Your Face

    1. Whether you wear contact lenses, glasses or require no vision correction at all, avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes with unwashed hands, consistent with the World Health Organization (WHO) and CDC recommendations. 

  5. If You Are Sick, Temporarily Stop Wearing Contact Lenses

    1. Contact lens wearers who are ill should temporarily revert to wearing glasses. You can resume the use of fresh new contact lenses with a new lens case once you return to full health. 

Based on the above research findings by the people at CORE, we still believe at this time that it is still safe to wear your contact lenses. 

Eye Care Tip: Always wash your hands with soap and water before inserting or removing your contact lenses. Never use alcohol-based hand sanitizers as these are not compatible with the ocular surface.