Amongst the several recommendations made by health experts to lower your chances of getting the coronavirus are those involving personal hygiene and touching the face are more important. The coronaviruses spread via contaminated air particles that enter a person’s body when they touch an infected surface or person and touch their face, eyes, mouth or nose. Individuals wearing contact lenses might be at risk since they are more likely to touch their eyes several times daily.

" Consider wearing glasses more often, especially if you tend to touch your eyes a lot when your contacts are in. Substituting glasses for lenses can decrease irritation and force you to pause before touching your eye, " said Dr. Sonal Tulsi from the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).

However, if you choose to continue wearing your contacts, make sure that you follow adequate hygiene procedures such as washing your hands thoroughly before handling the lenses.

Glasses, including sunglasses, can protect your eyes from infected droplets sprayed by a sick person via coughing, sneezing or talking. But, if you are contacting a coronavirus patient, glasses might not provide protection since the top, bottom and sides might be exposed. In such cases, you can choose safety goggles which can be handy when you are in close contact with an infected individual.

Also, glass wearers usually keep adjusting their lenses several times a day. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends using a tissue instead of fingers.

Other Eye care procedures recommended by AAO during the pandemic include:

  • Stock up on eye medicine prescriptions if possible.
  • Refrain from rubbing your eyes. All of us do it. It can be difficult to break this natural habit. But, be informed that it can lower your risk of infection if you stop rubbing your eyes.
  • Whenever you want to touch your eyes, even to administer your eye medicine, wash your hands with soap and water at least for 20 seconds.
  • Continue practicing social distancing and sage hygiene.

“It’s important to remember that although there is a lot of concern about coronavirus, common-sense precautions can significantly reduce your risk of getting infected. So wash your hands a lot, follow good contact lens hygiene and avoid touching or rubbing your nose, mouth and especially your eyes,” Dr. Tuli said.

Mojo Vision, a California startup, says its smart contact lens is part of a move to "invisible computing," which allows people to interact more naturally with technology
Mojo Vision, a California startup, says its smart contact lens is part of a move to "invisible computing," which allows people to interact more naturally with technology Mojo Vision / HO
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