A Message from Sayoko “Sy” Moroi, MD, PhD, and Karla Zadnik, OD, PhD:
At present, there is no scientific evidence that contact lens wear is problematic during this pandemic. It is timely to reinforce rigorous hygiene with contact lens wear. The Ohio State University faculty in the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science and the College of Optometry are united to serve our workforce who wear contact lenses. We recommend following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance on hand washing as well as vision care provider’s strict contact lens hygiene protocols.The research literature is clear on how to prevent contact lens infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Contact lens wearers must:
1. Wash hands thoroughly, at least 20 seconds with soap and water, and dry hands completely.
2. Use daily disposable contact lenses if possible.
3. If solutions are required, use them appropriately. Specifically, do not top-up or re-use solutions.
4. Replace cases monthly or more frequently. Rinse wipe and air-dry contact lens cases every day.
5. Do not wear contact lenses when you are ill, especially with COVID-19 symptoms.
6. Do not sleep in your contact lenses unless it is medically indicated.
If you have urgent contact lens-related vision care needs during the pandemic, including the need for reliable back-up spectacles, please call the College of Optometry at 614-292-2020. The College of Optometry and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science will partner together to ensure that the urgent eye care needs of all Med Center staff are met during this time of crisis.