My New Peace Corps Eyes
I'm now the proud owner of some pretty darn expensive glasses. Apparently Peace Corps has the power to tell you to purchase two pairs: if you wear contacts you're obligated to wear glasses because it's very possible that you will not have access to clean water to wash your hands everytime you need to handle your contacts; they request that you bring two pairs in the event that you lose your first pair. They also advised against plastic frame glasses if you're headed off to the tropics like we are because the frames could soften consequently allowing the lenses to fall out--I really wanted some plastic ones.
I bet I look pretty smart, huh?
I've been reading quite a few blogs from volunteers in the area we're moving to next june and according to them, within the first few days of arriving in country they're insides are crawling with parasites and strange bacterias like e. coli.
Lesson no.1: Don't drink or touch the water without purifying it.
I really don't need any parasites crawling around inside my eyeballs.
3 comentarios:
Don't worry too much about the contacts thing. I'm in Honduras with the PC in the same group as Max and Lynnette (you've commented on their blog) and I have been wearing contacts since the day I got here with no problems. The water here in Honduras is not good (I'm in the water and sanitation program and so I see a lot of nasty water) but the trick is to wash and *dry* your hands thoroughly before touching your contacts or your eyes. And keep your contacts themselves away from direct exposure to water.
Not that it's a bad idea to wear glasses, because being low-maintenance is definitely more convenient. But you can also keep in mind that it's the PC's job to be overly protective of volunteers since they're paying our medical insurance.
Hope to see you in Honduras sometime soon!
I was in Panama and had some sketchy water. All of the volunteers there received nice water filters and I used that for brushing my teeth and washing my hands when putting in my contacts. My two pairs lasted all of service only to have my dog eat them when I returned.
I figured heaps of volunteers still wore contacts, but the damage is already done I suppose.
I guess its better to be prepared for the unexpected.
I'll definately bring a supply of contacts with me though! I'm kind of warming up to the idea of wearing glasses--I feel a bit more *inteligent*...haha.
It'd be neat if we ended up in Honduras!
Hmmm...Panama, I lived there for 4 years right up until they closed the Panama Canal....great times.
cheers!
cheers
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