As the COVID-19 pandemic rapidly developed, the question came up of whether contact lenses were safe to wear. Current research data indicate that contact lenses are safe to wear during a pandemic. There is no scientific evidence to suggest an increased risk of contracting COVID-19 through contact lens wear compared to spectacle lens wear nor is there any evidence that wearing spectacles offers defense against COVID-19 or other viral transmissions (Jones et al, 2020).

Some Things Change While Some Stay the Same

A survey in the United Kingdom and Ireland evaluated soft contact lens wearers’ compliance behaviors, attitudes, and concerns during the pandemic (Vianya-Estopa et al, 2021). This anonymous online survey containing 60 questions was distributed for one month starting on April 14, 2020, during strict lockdown restrictions. Ninety percent of respondents were based in England, and 79% stated that they were self-isolating or rigorously following social-distancing protocols. In total, 247 responses were received; 79% of the respondents were female, and the mean age was 34.3 ± 11.7 years old, with a range from 19 years old to 63 years old. Lenses were worn less frequently during the pandemic by 56% of participants.

Survey questions about lens cleaning habits of soft reusable contact lens wearers using multipurpose solution revealed suboptimal cleaning routines; 30% of respondents did not ever rub lenses prior to soaking, 42% never rinsed lenses, and 67% reported topping off the solution in the lens case either frequently or occasionally. Of those using hydrogen peroxide solution with reusable contact lenses, 56% reported topping off solution either occasionally or frequently.

The survey also reported noncompliance with lens case hygiene; 82% of respondents did not clean the lens case daily, and 72% did not store the case empty with caps facing down when not in use. When asked about what they used for case cleaning, 44% responded “rinsing with lens solution,” 19% responded “tap water and/or soap,” 12% performed an optimal technique of rinsing with contact lens solution and wiping with a clean tissue (Wu et al, 2015), and 25% used other non-optimal methods. Conversely, 53% of respondents reported good compliance in terms of replacing the lens case every three months.

Respondents reported good compliance with hand washing; 96% used soap and water, and 87% followed the recommended 20-second rule. This compliance is better than what has been previously reported; Morgan et al (2011) indicated that 40% of wearers reported correct hand washing, and Orsborn et al (2017) reported that 41% of daily disposable lens wearers did not wash their hands with soap before lens application. Enhanced compliance with hand washing goes along with the continuous recommendation of washing hands regularly to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19.

Survey respondents reported noncompliance with lens replacement. Eleven percent extended the wearing period of their lenses beyond their practitioner’s recommendation (Vianya-Estopa et al, 2021). When asked whether they would continue contact lens wear if feeling unwell (with cold or flu symptoms), 18% of respondents would not consider discontinuing lens wear. This emphasizes essential areas to review when remotely assessing patients to ensure that they remain compliant and without issues during the pandemic.

Educate, Educate, Educate

This study reinforces that continuous education of patients by practitioners is necessary to ensure compliance with lens wear and care during the pandemic. CLS

For references, please visit www.clspectrum.com/references and click on document #316.