Responding to misinformation circulating online about contact lens and spectacles wear during the current Covid-19 pandemic, three internationally recognised eye health researchers have banded together to allay fears and counter incorrect information.
Professors Lyndon Jones, from the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) at Waterloo University (Canada), Philip Morgan, from Manchester University (UK), and Jason Nichols, from Alabama University (US) issued a statement in March advising eye care professionals and consumers to heed sound, evidence-based practices.
“Contact lens wear is safe, despite myths and misinformation that have arisen; when using contact lenses or spectacles, careful and thorough hand washing with soap and water followed by hand drying with unused paper towels is paramount. For contact lens wearers, this should occur before every insertion and removal.”
The researchers also emphasised the importance of disinfecting spectacles and glasses, as some viruses, including covid-19, can remain on hard surfaces for hours to days. They recommended discontinuing contact lens wear when sick and added that spectacles are not proven to offer protection against contracting the virus.
For more, and for resources for patients including an infographic and video, go to: https://core.uwaterloo.ca/COVID-19/
