Covid-19 Updates

If you are a healthcare provider, please see our Provider Updates page here >>.

Helpful Links

• American Optometric Association Contact Lens Wear During COVID-19
• American Academy of Optometry Contact 'Science and Sense in Contact Lens Wear
• Review of Corneal and Contact Lens Article 'Four Reasons Contact Lens Wear Isn't A Problem with COVIDE-19'
• Centre for Occular Research and Education: Contact Lens Update Special Edition: COVID-19 and Contact Lens Wear
• Contact Lenses Today - Special Edition, March 12, 2020
• Top Contact Lens Experts Dispel Misinformation Regarding Coronavirus
• BCLA Guidance : Contact Lens Wear and COVID-19
• Review of Optometric Business: COVID-19: What to Tell Patients About Contact-Lens Wear

For more information on how to prevent infections, please see the CDC’s guidelines on Hand-washing and Nail Hygiene.

Informational Video on Contact Lens Wear from Dr. Thomas Quinn, OD

Video for Contact Lens Wearers During COVID-19:

Monday, March 30, 2020

This information is from the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) on the latest science on the use of contact lenses during this COVID-19 pandemic.

A new study published in March of the 2020 edition of Ophthalmology on COVID-19 patients, found that there was no evidence of the virus in tear samples collected from 17 patients from Day 3 to Day 20 of active symptoms.

Recognizing that this is very early data and with a small representative sample size, the study suggests a low risk of ocular transmission.

According to the AAO, there is no scientific evidence that contact lens wear is problematic during this pandemic and these early results are encouraging. It is certainly time to reinforce rigorous hygiene with contact lens wear. Without further evidence to the contrary, the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) believes that contact lenses can still be safely worn as long as people follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) guidance on hand washing as well as their optometrist’s strict contact lens hygiene protocols.

Friday, March 20, 2020

With the multitude of health information currently circulating given the COVID-19 outbreak and precautions being advised by the government as well as national health organizations, we're here to help eye care providers and their patients stay informed. We know you must have questions about the availability, and safety of, your SynergEyes contact lenses. Rest assured that Synergeyes is still manufacturing and shipping contact lenses.  As always, we adhere to the highest quality and testing standards, so you can be confident that our products are safe to use.

The American Optometric Association (AOA) recently published advice regarding the continued safe care and wear of contact lenses during the COVID-19 outbreak. To read our blog article on the subject, please click here >>.

In short, the AOA recommends the following:

• Wash Your Hands – Whenever you are washing your hands, and especially before you insert or remove your contact lenses, make sure to wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, followed by hand drying with unused paper towels. If you do not readily have access to soap and water, you can use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol but let it fully dry before touching your eyes.  Avoid touching your face, including your eyes, nose and mouth, with unwashed hands.
• Disinfect Your Contact Lenses – Remember to dispose of your daily disposable contacts each evening, or regularly disinfect your 2-week, monthly, 6 month or yearly contacts according to manufacturer’s instructions and the instructions from your doctor.
• Don’t Wear Your Contacts When You’re Sick – If you have flu-like or cold symptoms do not wear your contacts.
• Glasses Are Not Proven Protection from COVID-19 – There is currently no scientific evidence that wearing spectacles or glasses will protect against COVID-19 or other viral transmission.

If you are healthy, you can continue to wear and care for your contact lenses as prescribed by your doctor.  We encourage you to reach out to your health care provider with questions.  Also, if you would like to order a backup pair of contact lenses, please get in contact with your eye care provider to ask them to place an order for you. We are able to ship products directly to you after your provider places your order.