A new peer-reviewed paper on safe contact lens wear specific to COVID-19 – authored by five of the world’s most prominent experts in the field of contact lens practice – has been published in the journal Contact Lens & Anterior Eye.  The paper titled “The COVID-19 Pandemic: Important Considerations for Contact Lens Practitioners” concludes that no evidence exists for asymptomatic wearers to cease their use of contact lenses and that no evidence exists supporting claims that spectacles protect against COVID-19, among other determinations.

COVID-19 and Contact Lens Wear

Over the past few weeks there has been some misinformation spread about contact lens wear during this pandemic caused by COVID-19.  At the present time, there is no evidence to suggest an increased risk of being infected with SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes the disease known as COVID-19, through contact lens wear.

The Cornea and Contact Lens Society of Australia (CCLSA) recently issued a statement on this matter as follows:

“For decades contact lens practitioners have advised thorough, correct hand-washing and strict hygiene practices for contact lens wearers in order to decrease the risk of eye infections.  There is however a history of a significant degree of non-compliance with proper hygiene techniques among contact lens wearers, and the general public at large.  Now more than ever it is critically important for a contact lens wearer to pay great attention to proper hygiene and for practitioners to strongly reinforce sound practices.  Contact lens wear is a safe activity with low rates of infections or other serious complications, despite poor compliance with safe practices.

Contact lenses, solutions and eye drops (where applicable) should be used, worn and replaced as prescribed by your eye care practitioner and according to manufacturer recommendations and expiry dates. Storage case hygiene and care practices should be followed for reusable lenses.

Practitioners have long advised against the wear of contact lenses if a wearer is unwell. This applies in particular to any signs or symptoms of colds and flu, respiratory tract infections, red sore eyes, discharge and so on. Basically, if someone is feeling unwell, they should terminate contact lens wear. For healthy individuals, normal contact lens wear can be maintained.”

UPDATE ON COVID-19 & Essential Appointments

On March 22, 2020, the Victorian government announced the implement of a shutdown of all non-essential activity across the state to combat the spread of COVID-19. 

At this time, Richard Lindsay and Associates will remain open in order to provide essential services to those where is it absolutely necessary.  This includes patients with ocular emergencies, as well other patients – such as paediatric aphakic babies and children, and keratoconus and corneal graft patients – who are completely dependent on contact lenses for normal visual functioning.   We would ask that if it is not essential for you to attend the practice, please do not schedule appointments at this time, and reschedule any upcoming appointments for a few months from now.

At present, our manufacturers are still operating and there has been no interruption in the supply of products or freight. If you need to order contact lenses, replenish solutions or collect glasses, we will happily arrange for these to be posted to you. Contact lens orders can be placed over the phone or on our website.  If you have any concerns about the health of your eyes, one of our optometrists can provide assistance over the phone.

Attending an appointment:

In order to reduce contact with others and to encourage social distancing, we will be booking only a small number of patients per day, with appointment spaced out to limit the number of people in the office at any given time. We would also ask that patients adhere to the following request:

1. Please come alone, if possible

2. Please do not bring children to the office unless they are being seen by the optometrist. Please have drivers or support persons wait outside the practice or downstairs

3. Wash your hands with hot, soapy water and hand sanitiser upon entering the practice, and limit the number of surfaces you touch

4. Do not touch the spectacle frames, contact lens solutions or eyedrops.  A staff member can collect the required frames, solutions and eyedrops for you

5. When possible, please insert and remove your own contact lenses

6. If you are experiencing any cold/flu-type symptoms, please do not attend the practice but rather notify us so that we can reschedule your appointment

7. If you have recently returned from an overseas trip or have had close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19, please do not attend the practice until the completion of your isolation period

In the event you, or someone you have had close contact with, is diagnosed with COVID-19 and you have visited the practice with the past 14 days, we ask that you notify us as soon as possible so that we can take appropriate and necessary measures.

The health and safety of our patients, staff and of the greater community has always been of the upmost importance for us. We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and will continue to follow the guidelines released by both the Department of Health and Human Services, and Optometry Australia to help prevent the spread of the virus. We will keep you updated as the situation continues to change and we appreciate your support and help in keeping everyone safe and healthy.

If you have any questions or concerns, please phone us on (03) 9417 6444 or email us at mail@lindsayassociates.com.au

From the team at Richard Lindsay and Associates

COVID-19

Just recently there was a paper published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology by researchers from the Lions Eye Institute (LEI) in Perth which showed that the presence of a pterygium indicates a significantly increased risk of developing a cutaneous melanoma.