Good hygiene is more important than ever during a pandemic for contact lens wearers. Contact lenses are a safe and effective way to correct one’s vision, but they can also cause infections unless the lenses are handled and cleaned properly. As the world grapples with global health issues, this is especially important. Viruses such as COVID-19 can spread from contact with the eyes and now that there's Mpox (monkeypox), people are starting take extra precautions to prevent the spread of infections.

In this post, we’ll discuss how to wear contact lenses safely during a pandemic or other health emergencies, with a focus on hygiene tips and best practices that will protect your eyes and your health.

Why Eye Hygiene Matters

With a pandemic, the eyes can be a portal of entry for a pathogen. Mucous membranes around the eye, similar to those lining the nose and mouth, can be infected. Touching your eyes with dirty hands or wearing contact lenses without hygiene can increase the risk of eye infection or systemic disease.

Although there is no direct evidence that contact lens wearers are more susceptible than glasses wearers to viruses such as COVID-19, the American Academy of Ophthalmology and other health organizations continue to recommend that individuals practice good hand hygiene and avoid touching the face, including the eyes. In no way does contact lens wear predispose someone to infection or complications from COVID-19. Appropriate contact lens care and hygiene minimizes the risks when using contact lenses during a pandemic.

Hygiene Tips for Contact Lens Wearers

Contact lenses can be worn safely while a pandemic is occurring and to do so, individuals must adhere to rigorous hygiene measures. Here are some important tips.

Wash Your Hands Thoroughly

Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before handling your lenses. This step sterilizes your hands, removing dirt, oils and potential pathogens. After washing, dry your hands with a lint-free towel completely.

Avoid Touching Your Face

Touch your eyes less, ideally not at all, to reduce the risk of transferring viruses from the hands to the eyes. If you have to touch your lenses to adjust them or rub your eyes, first ensure your hands are clean.

Disinfect Contact Lenses Properly

Use a fresh, clean lens solution to disinfect them before storing them. Never use water, saliva or home-made solution – these can introduce unwanted microorganisms. Rub and rinse your lenses with solution before putting them in your case.

Clean and Replace Lens Cases Regularly

After each use, you should rinse contact lens cases with fresh solution (never water), wipe the interior with a clean tissue, then air dry. You should replace your lens case at least every three months or sooner if it becomes damaged or contaminated.

Best Practices for Safe Contact Lens Wear

Using these best practices can keep you safe and comfortable with your contact lenses during a pandemic:

Consider Daily Disposable Lenses

If you’re not wearing them yet, start using daily disposable lenses. Because they are discarded daily, there is no need to disinfect, rinse and store them, thereby reducing the risk of contamination.

Avoid Wearing Contact Lenses When Sick

If you are feeling unwell, particularly if you have redness, pain or discharge of the eye or you have cold or flu symptoms, avoid wearing contact lenses. Switch to glasses if possible and, if the symptoms persist, consult an eye doctor.

Follow Your Eye Care Professional’s Recommendations

Follow your eye care professional’s wearing schedule and replacement instructions. Wearing your lenses longer than instructed or not replacing lenses on schedule can put you at risk for eye infections and other serious complications.

Keep Your Glasses Clean

If you alternate between contacts and glasses, make sure that you regularly disinfect your glasses by cleaning all parts that touch your face and hands; this decreases pathogen transmission.

Dispelling Misconceptions About Contact Lens Wear During a Pandemic

Several myths about contact lens wear and eye health exist during a pandemic. Here’s the truth behind common misconceptions:

Myth: Contact lenses are unsafe to wear during a pandemic.

Fact: Wearing contact lenses during the time of a pandemic is safe as long as you use proper hygiene precautions. There is no proof that contact lens wearers are more likely to get COVID-19 than glasses wearers.

Myth: Disinfecting contact lenses with water is effective.

Fact: Disinfecting with water is one of the most common contact lens mistakes. Water is not a disinfectant – it does not kill bacteria and viruses, so it can wash harmful microorganisms into the eye, which in turn can lead to infections.

Myth: It’s okay to share contact lenses with others.

Fact: Sharing contact lenses can seriously damage your eyes and the eyes of anyone else you share with. Every pair of contact lenses is individually prescribed for you.

Start Taking Care of Your Eyes and Your Overall Health

To wear your contact lenses safely during a pandemic, you have to practice rigorous hygiene and follow all best practices for lens care. By washing your hands frequently, not touching your face, thoroughly disinfecting your contact lenses and following the directions of your eye care professional, you can still happily benefit from a healthy pair of eyes while keeping yourself safe COVID-19 or any other future respiratory outbreak.

So don’t forget, good eye health is integral to good general health, and precautions can help to keep you safe during this pandemic. Stay informed, stay safe and stay healthy for good eyesight.