Contact Lens Institute Shares New CDC Guidance For Contact Lens Wear And COVID-19

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated their recommendations for contact lens wear and maintenance in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which were shared by The Contact Lens Institute. The CDC's Coronavirus Disease 2019 webpage provides clear guidance that supports persons who are healthy and maintain good hygiene practices continuing to wear contact lenses.

The Contact Lens Institute is disseminating updated recommendations for contact lens use and maintenance in light of the COVID-19 pandemic from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC's Coronavirus Disease 2019 webpage provides clear guidance that supports persons who are healthy and maintain good hygiene practices continuing to wear contact lenses.

“In the weeks since COVID-19 emerged, many have wondered if it’s okay to wear contact lenses,” said Dr. Rick Weisbarth, Board Chairman of the Contact Lens Institute. “In a time when there is considerable misinformation and rumor, the CDC has now provided clear, straight-forward guidance as to how contact lens wearers can continue to wear their lenses safely, including following proper lens hygiene habits.”

The CDC is providing advice on COVID-19 in addition to responding to the following urgent query:

Should contact lens wearers take special precautions to prevent COVID-19?

There is currently no data to support the claim that people who wear contact lenses are more likely to contract COVID-19 than people who wear glasses. To help avoid the spread of any contact lens-related illnesses, contact lens wearers should continue to adopt safe contact lens usage and care hygiene behaviors, such as always washing hands with soap and water before handling lenses. Healthy people can keep using and caring for their contact lenses as advised by their eye care specialist.

“Health care providers and their patients are looking for sound, evidence-based recommendations—now more than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic. We welcome the CDC’s guidance and look forward to additional support from the medical and scientific communities,” said Dr. Weisbarth.