All Advice

Tips on how to use glasses and contact lenses during pandemic.

15 June 2020
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In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve formed new habits of washing our hands and regularly disinfecting things around us. But this is a little tricky for some things. How do you clean and care for your glasses? Can you wear contact lenses? Here are our tips for handling your eyewear properly during the pandemic.

 

Adopt best practices for your glasses

Se laver les mains

Lunettes

Here’s how to properly disinfect your glasses:

 

  1. First wash your hands thoroughly.
  2. Then rinse your glasses with warm water.
  3. Place a drop of oil-free hand or dish soap on both sides of the lenses and clean each side, the temples, and the bridge.
  4. Rinse with warm water and wipe dry with a microfiber cloth. After several uses, machine wash your cloth, but don’t use fabric softener.

 

How can you prevent your glasses from fogging up when you wear a mask?

Masques de protection

Once you put your mask on, warm, moist air is directed upwards. When it comes into contact with cooler air, condensation forms and fogs up your glasses.

The solution?

Fold a facial tissue like an accordion and slip it between your face and your mask on the bridge of your nose. It will absorb the moisture from your breath and reduce fogging.

Do you think wearing glasses instead of contact lenses is safer?

When your glasses are crooked or slip, you automatically adjust them with your fingers, which can be a potential source of contamination. The same is true for your mask, which is why you should wash your hands before and after touching it.

 

Wearing contact lenses during the pandemic

Lentilles cornéennes

With more and more people wearing masks, this is the ideal time to switch to daily contact lenses, which have few contraindications.

However, contact lenses are contraindicated if you have COVID-19, are in contact with infected people, or have an eye infection.

To ensure you wear your lenses in the best possible conditions, it’s more important than ever to follow your eye care professional’s instructions. Here are our recommendations for the safe use of your lenses:

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  1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before inserting or removing your lenses.
  2. Dry your hands thoroughly with a paper towel or a clean towel that is washed after each use. It’s important to avoid contact with tap water residue, which may be contaminated by substances other than COVID-19.
  3. For this reason, if you wear reusable lenses, it’s important to rinse, clean, and disinfect your contact lenses and lens case with the products indicated by your eye care professional. We recommend avoiding generic brands, which may not be suitable for your situation.
  4. Once you’ve washed the case, open it and place it upside-down on a paper towel and let it air dry completely. During the pandemic, we recommend replacing your case once a month.

It’s also important to follow certain hygiene rules:

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  • Change the cleaning solution in the case daily. Do not use the solution past the expiration date and follow the lens replacement schedule.
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  • Change the cleaning solution in the case daily. Do not use the solution past the expiration date and follow the lens replacement schedule.
  • Unless otherwise specified, we do not recommend sleeping with your contact lenses in.
  • Never share your lenses with anyone.
  • You should not experience redness, irritation, or discomfort if you are wearing your lenses safely. If this happens, discontinue use and consult your optometrist.

 

If you experience any discomfort or unusual symptoms, see your optometrist immediately.

We advise you to opt for daily disposable lenses whenever possible. They are hygienic and require no care, case, or liquid solution. CooperVision MyDay or clariti™ 1-day soft contact lenses may be a good solution. Designed to correct myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, or presbyopia, they offer the ultimate in convenience and safety during this period.

Want more information on how to handle your eyewear? Contact the Opto-Réseau clinic nearest you. Our optometrists are best able to advise you.

If you wear scleral or gas permeable lenses, it’s important to follow your eye care professional’s recommendations.

  • Contact lenses
  • COVID-19

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

To find the best pair of prescription glasses or sunglasses for your needs, book an appointment at your Opto-Réseau clinic. Our eyecare professionals will be more than happy to help you pick the frames and lenses that are perfect for you!

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