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Coronavirus: Contact lens users should switch to glasses to lower the risk of infection, say experts

As contact lens wearers tend to touch their eyes more often than others, they are at a higher risk, according to experts from the American Academy of Ophthalmology
UPDATED MAR 30, 2020
(Pixabay)
(Pixabay)

Health experts are urging those wearing contact lenses to switch to frames to lower your risk of catching the new coronavirus. 

Because contact lens wearers tend to touch their eyes more often than others, they are at a higher risk, according to experts from the American Academy of Ophthalmology. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 45 million Americans wear contact lenses.

“It’s important to remember that although there is a lot of concern about coronavirus, common-sense precautions can significantly reduce your risk of getting infected. So wash your hands a lot, follow good contact lens hygiene and avoid touching or rubbing your nose, mouth and especially your eyes,” ophthalmologist Dr Sonal Tuli, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, said in a statement.

“Consider wearing glasses more often, especially if you tend to touch your eyes a lot when your contacts are in. Substituting glasses for lenses can decrease irritation and force you to pause before touching your eye,”  Dr Tuli added.

Contact lens wearers touch their eyes every time they wear and remove the lens, heightening their risk of infection, Dr Thomas Steinemann from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, told CNN.

Glasses, on the other hand, could protect wearers from infected respiratory droplets. However, experts from the American Academy of Ophthalmology add that glasses do not offer 100% protection. Safety goggles may offer a stronger defense while tending to an infected person.

What is more, experts are unsure whether people can catch the new coronavirus through the eyes. "Theoretically, it's possible, but we have no proof of that," Dr Steinemann told CNN. 

Others agree and say, "It's possible, I guess, but I've always thought that that was a bit of a stretch," infectious disease expert Dr William Schaffner, a professor of preventative medicine and infectious disease at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, told CNN.

Safety goggles may offer a stronger defense while tending to an infected person, say experts (Getty Images)

Guarding your eyes is important

To reduce the risk of infections, experts recommend that contact lens wearers wash their hands before handling them and removing the lens before getting into contact with water, for example, swimming or showering.

Washing the lens with water or disinfecting it with saltwater is risky. "Lens cases can be a source of contamination and infection. Do not use cracked or damaged lens cases," the doctors warn.

In addition to the above measures, doctors recommend patients to stock up on a month's supply of medications such as glaucoma drops. "Request a refill as soon as you're due. Don't wait until the last minute to contact your pharmacy," reads the statement. And those suffering from dry eyes should consider using moisturizing drops.

People should avoid rubbing their eyes. "If you feel an urge to itch or rub your eye or even to adjust your glasses, use a tissue instead of your fingers. If you must touch your eyes for any reason — even to administer eye medicine — wash your hands first with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Then wash them again afterward," they explained. 

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