CDC stresses contact lens hygiene during pandemic
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The CDC disseminated information about hygienic contact lens practices through social media, newsletters and other digital channels as part of Contact Lens Health Week from Aug. 17 to 21.
The events were primarily digital due to COVID-19, Sarah Collier, MPH, analytic epidemiologist, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, CDC, told Primary Care Optometry News.
Contact Lens Health Week messaging included testimonial videos from patients who Collier said, “suffered serious contact lens-related eye infections caused by improper contact lens wear and care,” along with digital graphics, a web page and prevention messages.
“Handwashing with soap and water is one of the first lines of defense against COVID-19 and contact lens-related eye infections,” Collier said. “It is important for lens wearers to continue to practice healthy and safe contact lens wear and care habits.”
Eye care providers should continue to educate patients about hygienic practices, which include, but are not limited to, washing hands for 20 seconds before touching lenses, cleaning lenses, and replacing lenses and cases regularly. While wearing contacts, patients should avoid swimming, showering, sleeping and napping.
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