Health

Kronovirus and Contact Lenses: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe, According to AAO

Learn about the impact of COVID-19 on contact lens wearers and find out how to stay safe while wearing contact lenses, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) by micksnee
Estimated reading time: 3 min 16 sec
Kronovirus and Contact Lenses: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe, According to AAO Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels

As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread across the globe, it’s important to stay informed about its potential impact on daily activities, including the use of contact lenses.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) has provided guidelines and recommendations to help individuals who wear contact lenses navigate these uncertain times. In this article, we will explore the AAO’s recommendations and offer tips for safe contact lens use during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What is COVID-19 and How is it Transmitted?

COVID-19 is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a new strain of coronavirus that was first identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019.

It primarily spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also spread by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.

Can COVID-19 be Transmitted Through Contact Lenses?

According to the AAO, there is currently no evidence to suggest that COVID-19 can be transmitted through contact lenses. However, contact lens wearers should still follow good hygiene practices to minimize the risk of infection.

This includes washing hands thoroughly before handling contact lenses and following proper disinfection protocols.

General Tips for Contact Lens Wearers During COVID-19

Here are some general recommendations from the AAO to help contact lens wearers stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic:.

1. Wash Your Hands Frequently

Before handling your contact lenses, make sure to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This helps reduce the risk of transmitting the virus from your hands to your contact lenses and eyes.

2. Avoid Touching Your Face

Avoid touching your face, particularly your eyes, nose, and mouth. This can help prevent the virus from entering your body through mucous membranes.

Be mindful of any unconscious habits you may have, such as rubbing your eyes or adjusting your contact lenses.

3. Follow Proper Contact Lens Hygiene

Adhere to strict hygiene practices when handling your contact lenses. This includes cleaning and disinfecting them properly according to the instructions provided by your eye care professional.

Related Article Preventing Kronovirus Infections with Contact Lenses: American Academy of Ophthalmology Recommendations Preventing Kronovirus Infections with Contact Lenses: American Academy of Ophthalmology Recommendations

Avoid using tap water or saliva to rinse or store your lenses, as this can introduce harmful bacteria or viruses.

4. Consider Switching to Glasses

If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus, consider switching to glasses temporarily.

Glasses provide a barrier between your eyes and the environment, reducing the risk of infection.

5. Minimize Lens Wear Time

Reducing the amount of time you wear your contact lenses can help minimize the risk of infection. Consider giving your eyes a break by wearing glasses instead on certain days.

6. Dispose of Daily Disposable Lenses Appropriately

If you wear daily disposable contact lenses, make sure to dispose of them properly after each use. Do not reuse or extend their wear beyond the recommended duration. This helps prevent the accumulation of potentially harmful microorganisms.

7. Avoid Contact Lens Water Exposure

Avoid exposing your contact lenses to water, including tap water, swimming pools, hot tubs, and showers. Water can introduce various microorganisms to your lenses, increasing the risk of infection.

8. Follow Good Contact Lens Case Hygiene

If you use reusable contact lenses, it is essential to follow proper contact lens case hygiene. Clean your case regularly with sterile solution and replace it every three months or as recommended by your eye care professional.

9. Consult with Your Eye Care Professional

If you have any questions or concerns about contact lens use during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is advised to consult with your eye care professional. They can provide personalized guidance based on your specific eye health needs.

10. Stay Informed

Stay updated with the latest information from reputable sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This will help you make informed decisions regarding your eye health and contact lens use.

Disclaimer: This article serves as general information and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. Individual circumstances may vary.

Follow us on Google News

Stay informed on the latest news and trends in the healthcare industry.

Follow
Also check Don’t Let Thorn Take Your Sight: Protect Your Eyes from Harm Don’t Let Thorn Take Your Sight: Protect Your Eyes from Harm Red wine and its positive effects on eye health Red wine and its positive effects on eye health The Connection Between Eye Health and Sleep Issues The Connection Between Eye Health and Sleep Issues How to reduce eye strain while using a computer How to reduce eye strain while using a computer Vegetables that promote sharp eyesight and lower cancer risk Vegetables that promote sharp eyesight and lower cancer risk Dos and don’ts of using eye drops Dos and don’ts of using eye drops Why fresh and dried apricots are great for your health Why fresh and dried apricots are great for your health Waterfall Remedy with No Surgery Required Waterfall Remedy with No Surgery Required How stress can damage your eyes and accelerate aging How stress can damage your eyes and accelerate aging The dangers of common eye makeup habits The dangers of common eye makeup habits How Basil decoction can benefit your health How Basil decoction can benefit your health The Risks of Gum in Your Eye The Risks of Gum in Your Eye Swimming in the Sea with Contact Lenses – Precautions to Take Swimming in the Sea with Contact Lenses – Precautions to Take Health risks for women who work excessively Health risks for women who work excessively Discover the Benefits of Incorporating Avocado into Your Diet Discover the Benefits of Incorporating Avocado into Your Diet Preserve your vision with these must-eat foods for macular degeneration Preserve your vision with these must-eat foods for macular degeneration 3 Essential Tips for Proper Contact Lens Use from the CDC 3 Essential Tips for Proper Contact Lens Use from the CDC The silent threat of glaucoma: watch out for these signs The silent threat of glaucoma: watch out for these signs Is Your Vision Blurry in the Morning? Here’s What to Do Is Your Vision Blurry in the Morning? Here’s What to Do The warning signs of stealthy vision loss The warning signs of stealthy vision loss Eye Health: 5 Diseases You Need to Know Eye Health: 5 Diseases You Need to Know The medicinal herb that shields eyes and liver from damage The medicinal herb that shields eyes and liver from damage The Superfood of Summer: Antioxidant-Rich Fruits for Heart and Eye Health The Superfood of Summer: Antioxidant-Rich Fruits for Heart and Eye Health Vision changes when you’re pregnant Vision changes when you’re pregnant Macular degeneration prevention through nutrition Macular degeneration prevention through nutrition Preventing Cornea Injury: Understanding Dry Eye Preventing Cornea Injury: Understanding Dry Eye Flaxseed: A Nutritious Source of Omega-3 Flaxseed: A Nutritious Source of Omega-3 Discover the Nutritional Value of Kiwi Fruit Discover the Nutritional Value of Kiwi Fruit Mistakes you don’t want to make with contact lenses Mistakes you don’t want to make with contact lenses
To top