The Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine Cornea Society (PCS) issued tips on how to keep one’s eyes protected during the emission of volcanic ash.
The DOH and the PCS advised the public living in high-risk areas to stop wearing contact lenses, citing that ashfall may stick to the lenses.
Ash in your eyes could lead to corneal abrasions and infections, which are sight-threatening.
A corneal abrasion is a superficial scratch on the clear, protective “window” at the front of your eye (cornea).
Your cornea can be scratched by contact with dust, dirt, sand, wood shavings, metal particles, contact lenses or even the edge of a piece of paper.
“If you feel ash enter your eye, use an eye lubricant to flush it out or wash under clean running water for five to 10 minutes. Rubbing will cause the particle to scratch your eyes,” the PCS said.
PCS also urged the public to stay indoors to avoid ashfall all together, but if you do go outside, you should wear goggles — like the ones you wear when swimming or diving — or eyeglasses.
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