Eyeglasses May be a Safer Choice Than Contact Lenses During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Be safe and switch to eyeglasses during a viral outbreak.

Switching to glasses during the pandemic is recommended for 3 reasons:

1) People who wear contact lenses tend to touch their eyes and face more often than those who wear glasses – at least twice daily to insert and remove the lenses and throughout the day if the lenses get uncomfortable.

2) Eyeglasses can serve as a protective barrier, preventing you from touching your eyes and shielding them from any airborne contaminants. While contracting the virus through exposure to the eyes alone is rare, it doesn’t hurt to have an extra layer of defense. 

3) Discontinue lens wear if sick. Consistent with recommendations for other types of illness, those who feel ill with cold or flu-like symptoms should cease contact lens wear.

If contact lenses must be worn, please remember...

Exercise Proper Hand Washing. One should wash their hands carefully and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, followed by hand drying with unused paper towels. This should occur before every contact lens insertion and removal. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 70% alcohol. People should avoid touching their face, including their eyes, nose and mouth, with unwashed hands.

Disinfect Contact Lenses. Contact lens wearers should either dispose of their daily disposable lenses each evening, or regularly disinfect their monthly and two-week lenses according to instructions from your optometrist. DO NOT WEAR YOUR LENSES LONGER THAN RECOMMENDED!