Published: 23 April 2020 | Last updated: 15 September 2026 | Publisher: Smart Vision Optometry
At a glance
- A 2020 evidence review did not find evidence that contact-lens wear itself increased a healthy wearer’s risk of contracting COVID-19.
- That finding was based on evidence available early in the pandemic; it does not mean contact lenses or poor hygiene are risk-free.
- Wash and dry hands before handling lenses, keep lenses away from water, use fresh recommended solution and stop wear if pain, redness, discomfort or blurred vision develops.
What the 2020 review found
The peer-reviewed paper The ocular surface, coronaviruses and COVID-19 reviewed research available in April 2020. It reported that conjunctivitis and detection of the virus on the ocular surface were uncommon and found no evidence that contact-lens wear increased a healthy person’s risk of contracting COVID-19 compared with wearing spectacles.
This was an early evidence review, not proof that transmission risk can never change or that lens handling is risk-free. Readers should use current Australian COVID-19 guidance for symptoms, testing and care rather than relying on 2020 restrictions or practice arrangements.
Current contact-lens hygiene
The CDC’s current contact-lens guidance recommends washing hands with soap and water and drying them completely before touching lenses; keeping lenses away from all water; rubbing and rinsing reusable lenses with recommended disinfecting solution; never mixing fresh and old solution; and replacing the lens case at least every three months. Follow the replacement schedule and care system prescribed for your lenses.
Remove contact lenses and contact your eye-care provider if you develop pain, redness, discomfort or blurred vision. Carry current backup glasses so lenses can be removed when needed. People wearing prescribed overnight lenses should follow their individual instructions and can review SVO’s Ortho-K lens-care information. For additional context on hygiene, follow-up and warning symptoms, read this related Ortho-K patient guide.
Contact-lens questions
Do contact lenses increase the risk of contracting COVID-19?
A 2020 evidence review found no evidence that contact-lens wear itself increased risk for healthy wearers compared with spectacles. It was based on early-pandemic evidence and does not remove the need for current public-health advice and careful hygiene.
What are the essential contact-lens hygiene steps?
Wash and completely dry your hands, keep lenses away from water, use fresh recommended disinfecting solution, follow the replacement schedule and replace reusable cases regularly.
When should I remove my contact lenses?
Remove lenses and contact your eye-care provider if you develop eye pain, redness, discomfort or blurred vision. Follow your provider’s advice if you are unwell or cannot maintain your normal lens-care routine.
