As an important precautionary measure, medical specialists recommend avoiding touching your face during the Covid-19 pandemic.

SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid, can enter your body through your mouth, nose or eyes.

A delicate situation for the millions of contact lens wearers. Since they regularly touch their eyes to insert, adjust or remove their lenses.

Some people even wonder if they should stop wearing contacts, in favor of a pair of glasses.

The good news is that there is currently no evidence of contracting the coronavirus through the simple use of contact lenses. As long as the hygiene measures are respected!

It is therefore perfectly safe to continue wearing your contact lenses as long as you follow the necessary hygiene practices.

Our experts at Lindegger Optique offer you the following recommendations for the healthy and safe use of your contact lenses

Wash, rinse and dry your hands well

Hand washing is one of the best hygiene practices to protect you and your family.

It is very important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before applying and removing your lenses.

Also be sure to dry your hands with clean towels, or disposable paper towels.

If soap and water are not available, sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs on your hands. You can therefore use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol (but be careful not to get any sanitizer in your eyes!).

Avoid rubbing your eyes

Contact lens wearers are sometimes in the habit of touching their eyes. Breaking this habit reduces the risk of infection.

If you feel a strong urge to scratch or rub your eye, strictly avoid using your fingers. Instead, you can use a clean paper or cloth.

And if you must touch your eyes, be sure to wash your hands under water for at least 20 seconds with soap, or use a disinfectant, before and after touching your eyes.

Experts strongly recommend avoiding touching your nose, mouth and eyes with unwashed hands. As we said, the virus enters the body mainly through the face.

Follow the instructions for using contact lenses

Contact lens wearers should follow these instructions to avoid infection:

• Use a clean contact lens case. It should be changed at least every month.
• Use fresh contact lens solution and store your lenses as directed.
• Apply the lens with the tip of your clean index finger directly to the cornea.
• Daily wearers should always remove their lenses at the end of the day, or after use, and then use a new pair if necessary.
• Discard the lens by wrapping it in a cloth to avoid potential transmission of infection.
• People who prefer long-lasting lenses, such as weekly, monthly or yearly lenses, can continue to wear them for the intended duration. However, the lenses must be cleaned and disinfected after each use. You can use contact lens care products.
• Carefully follow the expiration date recommendations for rigid and soft lenses. Throw them away if necessary.
• If you drop your lenses on a dirty surface, throw them away immediately (for disposable lenses) or disinfect them (for reusable contact lenses).
• Consult us if you have any questions or concerns about the use and care of your lenses. We are happy to answer your questions.

Avoid using contact lenses if you are ill

It is strongly recommended that contact lens wearers with covid stop using the lenses and wear glasses. Consult your optician or ophthalmologist for advice on eye care. Glasses in occasional wear are recommended here for vision disorders.

Once you feel better, you can start using contact lenses again. You will also need new lens cases.

By following these simple but essential hygiene practices, you can continue to wear your lenses without worrying about infection.

If you have any questions, contact our team at Lindegger Optique Rive, Geneva.