As quarantine protocols begin to relax, people are starting to move about once again. Though the lockdown loosens up, the virus still exists and continues to spread, so we must remain vigilant. With masks covering up the lower half of our faces, we’re sure many of you are still thinking of eye makeup and the lenses that go with them.

Alcon Philippines, through Dr. Jeannette Romualdez, shares some tips on contact lens usage in the time of COVID-19:

Is it true that people who wear contact lenses are more susceptible to the virus?

Currently, according to the US Centers for Disease Control, there is “no evidence to suggest that contact lens wearers are more at risk for acquiring COVID-19 than eyeglass wearers.” They reiterate that “contact lens wearers should continue to practice safe contact lens wear and care hygiene habits.”

Additionally, when eyeglasses become a hindrance to more protective facial protection items such as face masks, goggles, or face shields; contact lenses might be the better option. This is especially true for people who have the habit of constantly readjusting their glasses throughout the day, since this means that unwashed hands are always coming in contact with the face.

Good hygiene remains critical

People may continue using their contact lenses as long as they follow manufacturer instructions and proper hygiene, shares Dr. Jeannette. The Center for Ocular Research and Education further suggests “thorough hand washing and drying are essential, as well as properly wearing and caring for contact lenses, ensuring good contact lens case hygiene, and regularly cleaning glasses with soap and water. These habits can help you stay healthy and out of your doctor’s office or hospital.”

Typical lens care advice includes: keeping your lens case clean, washing your hands thoroughly before and after touching your contacts, keeping the left and right lenses properly segregated, wearing them only for the prescribed time and never sleeping in them, keeping them out of water, replacing them at the proper schedule, replacing your solution as needed, and skipping contact lens use when feeling sick.

Source: Air Optix Philippines Facebook

Level up your contact lens disinfection

Daily-use, disposable lenses would be the best option at this time. However, some lenses are built for monthly use or longer. Those who use so for fashion or prescription may find themselves thinking about better ways to care for their lenses. Enter AO Sept with Hydraglyde Cleaning and Disinfecting Solution (P459 / 350ml).

AO Sept contains peroxide, which is an additional disinfectant not found in your usual lens solutions. This is pretty strong stuff and unlike typical lens solutions, you may not drop these directly on your eyes. It is such a potent disinfectant in fact, that the solution comes with a special case and neutralizing disc, which is the only case you may use with your AO Sept solution with. The special case takes six hours to completely process the disinfectant solution before the lens becomes safe for wear again.

If you feel like cleaning your lenses even more, Dr. Jeannette suggests that you may take the lens with clean hands and add a few drops of cleaning solution to your cupped palm. By gently rubbing the lens vertically (not circular) on both sides for five seconds, you may be able to loosen up proteins and dirt that may have clung on to the lens. You may also hold the lenses above your case and drip cleaning solution over it for five seconds as an additional cleansing step.

The eyes are the windows to the soul, and unfortunately, also windows for viruses to enter our bodies. Listening to updated expert advice on eye care can help us keep safe and smizing!

You may visit the website alcongocontacts.ph for more information about their products and promos.

 

Kristel Yap is a professional makeup artist, with extensive makeup training from Make Up For Ever Academy in Seoul, South Korea. She has been a beauty writer for almost a decade, sharing the latest in makeup, skincare and beauty on her blog Beauty by Tellie. You may follow her on Instagram @beautybytellie.

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