Swimming and Contacts do not mix
Thinking about taking a dip while wearing your contact lenses? Let’s hit the brakes on that idea!
The American Optometric Association and the U.S. FDA recommend steering clear of water when you’ve got your contacts in—this includes lakes, oceans, swimming pools, hot tubs, and even showers. Why, you ask? Well, the water can be home to some sneaky little troublemakers that can harm your eyes. Your contact lenses might inadvertently trap these microorganisms, which can lead to some not-so-fun consequences.
One such troublemaker is Acanthamoeba keratitis (that’s a mouthful, right?). These tiny organisms are everywhere, lurking in soil and lake water. “Keratitis” is just a fancy term for inflammation of the cornea, and while Acanthamoeba infections are rare, they can be very serious and might even threaten your vision!
So, what should you keep an eye out for? Here are some symptoms to watch for, courtesy of the AOA:
A red, painful eye infection
Blurred vision accompanied by a feeling of something in your eye, tearing, and light sensitivity
Prolonged redness and irritation—even after taking out your contacts
Interestingly, these pesky organisms can usually wash away from your eyes if you’re not wearing contacts, but they can still pose a risk.
Here are some handy tips to keep your eyes happy and healthy:
Avoid using tap water for rinsing or storing your lenses. It’s crucial to clean and disinfect your contacts with the proper products recommended by your eye doctor to keep those pesky organisms at bay.
For best results, stick to the “rub and rinse” method when cleaning your lenses—even if your solution says “no rub.”
Daily disposable lenses are a fantastic option to reduce the risk of infections, but remember, they don’t completely eliminate the risk. They do offer the convenience of fresh lenses every day, though—no daily cleaning required!
Always follow your eye doctor’s advice for wearing and caring for your contact lenses. And don’t be tempted to save a few bucks by topping off old cleaning solution with new; that’s a no-go!
The AOA also suggests replacing your contact lens case every three months (or sooner if you can). Keep it away from the toilet and let it air out between cleanings for optimal hygiene.
Maintaining good hygiene is key when you wear contacts!
