Are contact lens wearers more at risk of catching COVID-19?

Contact lenses cause eye irritation and wearers tend to touch their eyes more often than glasses wearers. This, according to popular belief puts contact lens wearers at a higher risk of catching COVID-19. But according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is no evidence to suggest that this group is more at risk of contracting the virus than glasses wearers.

There have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 transmission through handling of contact lenses. It is of great importance to follow the following healthy habits when wearing contact lenses and help protect your eyes, especially amid the pandemic:

1. Don't sleep in your contact lenses unless instructed by your eye care provider.

2. Always wash your hands with soap and water before handling your lenses. Dry your hands well with a clean cloth before touching your contact lenses every time.

3. Keep contact lenses away from water.

4. Clean your contact lens case by rubbing and rinsing it with contact lens solution – never water – then empty and dry with a clean tissue.