COVID-19 Information

COVID-19, aka SARS-CoV-2 is widely known to cause respiratory tract infections but also has presented with various other symptoms [1], such as GI upset [2]. While there has been anecdotal evidence of associated conjunctivitis, it is certainly not a common nor hallmark sign of the disease, and no reports of sight-threatening conjunctivitis (or even severe) have been reported. One study found COVID-19 in the tears of only 1 patient out of 30 COVID-19-positive patients that were tested [3] – and that patient did not have a reported conjunctivitis. Furthermore, there is no evidence that scleral lenses create an increased risk to develop COVID-19, or an associated conjunctivitis. The severity of the respiratory symptoms are the focus of the disease, since it can cause an associated pneumonia or bronchitis and can be life threatening.

No, there is no evidence that suggests wearing any type of contact lenses increases risk of COVID-19 transmission. It is important to remember good lens hygiene though. Scleral lens patients are usually quite good at cleaning their lenses properly, so should not have a problem adjusting to diligent lens hygiene during this time.

• Always remember to wash hands for at least 25 seconds prior to handling lenses
• Be sure to be an approved disinfection cleaner, and include a rubbing step regardless of cleaner used.

No, there is no evidence that suggests wearing any type of contact lenses increases risk of COVID-19 transmission. But remember that COVID-19 can be spread through contact with the eyes (regardless of any contact lens wear), so it is important to keep hands away from the eyes when not directly managing your lenses. For example, it is important to keep your allergies under control to reduce the chance of eye rubbing (see FAQ below), which can increase contact with the eyes and risk the transmission of any infection.

Itchy eyes can be common with patients who wear scleral lenses. Many scleral lens patients experience itchiness of the eyes due to underlying conditions, or the lenses themselves can cause itching. During the COVID-19, we have become acutely aware of the risks of transmission through the eyes. For this reason, and for your own health and comfort, we recommend taking precautions to control your allergies and therefore reduce the chance of eye rubbing.

If you have itching with and without your scleral lenses, it is likely an underlying cause like seasonal allergies, which are currently at a peak in many parts of the world using one or all of the methods below:

• Non-medicated artifial tears can be used to help flush allergens out of the tear film, and can provide comfort. Many of these drops can be used with scleral lenses, and are available at The Dry Eye Shop.
• Medicated allergy drops are available over-the-counter and in stronger, perscription form. Talk to your eyecare provider about which drops you should use to treat your eye allergies. Find a scleral lens specialist using our “find a fitter” tool.

There are rare reports of patients who have developed a mild conjunctivitis when they have COVID-19, and they all have been anecdotal (not published in peer-reviewed medical journals). In late January, a doctor in China, developed conjunctivitis while doing an inspection of Wuhan, and then later went on to develop coronavirus [3]. This promted more research into the rate of conjunctivitis associated with COVID-19, which is still ultimately unknown but presumably low. The concern is not the development of the conjunctivitis, since is typically mild with this type of virus, the concern is that findings of the virus in the tears mean that it may be the route of transmission into the rest of the body. There have been no reports of severe or sight-threatening conjunctivits associated with COVID-19, nor any reports at all in scleral lens wearers.

But, remember: try not to touch your eyes, and wash hands frequently to avoid transmission of COVID-19 through your eyes!

Normal scleral lens disinfection steps can be taken during this outbreak. However, we continue to remind patients of the importance of diligent hand washing prior to handling scleral lenses or touching near your eyes. When disinfecting lenses with an approved cleaner, remember some simple tips that will go a long way in protecting your eyes from inflammation and infection of all kinds:

• Scleral lens disinfection should always include a rubbing step, regardless of solution used
• Scleral lens cases and accessories (applicator, removal plungers) should be rinsed with a multi-purpose contact lens cleaner after each use, and air dried on a clean towel.
• During illness (COVID-19 or otherwise) we recommend not wearing scleral lenses (for your own comfort, and to improve healing if you do happen to develop an associated viral conjunctivitis). If lenses are anticipated to not be worn for more than 6 days, we recommend storing lenses dry. They can be re-disinfected and conditioned prior to re-starting wear.
• If you are ill, we recommend replacing scleral lens cases and accessories once recovered from the illness.

Fortunately, there are no current reported shortages of any scleral lens solutions or products. Solutions and plungers can also be found at online marketplaces such as Amazon or The Dry Eye Shop. Certain products like Menicon’s Unique pH and LacriPure or Bausch and Lomb’s ScleralFil can be purchased from the company web stores.

Please report any known shortages of solutions or accessories to us at sc*********@gm***.com.