Your eye specialist might recommend prescription eyewear if you have a refractive error like nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. Contact lenses are an excellent option for those who don’t prefer to wear eyeglasses. With contacts, you don’t have to worry about glasses clashing with your outfit. They also provide better peripheral and central vision since they conform to your eyes’ curvature.
However, there are instances where you shouldn’t wear contacts. Experts strongly discourage keeping your contacts in when swimming or going to a body of water. Read on to learn why.
Harmful Microorganisms Could Reach Your Eyes
Contact lenses and water do not mix well. They have a porous surface to let oxygen reach your eyes. Unfortunately, this also means they can absorb water. Whether it’s chlorinated pool water, saltwater, or tap water, these fluids carry a host of microorganisms that can cling to the lenses and transfer to your eyes.
It Puts You at High Risk of Serious Eye Infections
One of the most harmful microorganisms found in water is Acanthamoeba. It’s often in lakes and sometimes even in tap water. You could develop a severe eye infection when it travels from your contacts to your eyes.
Acanthamoeba keratitis has shared symptoms with other eye conditions. Sufferers could experience eye redness, pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision and watery eyes. If you have any of these symptoms, don’t wait long before visiting your local eye clinic. This condition may lead to irreversible vision loss or necessitate a corneal transplant when not treated immediately.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises against wearing contacts in any body of water, including pools. Chlorine doesn’t eliminate all harmful pathogens. Moreover, this chemical can irritate the eyes. You could even experience more discomfort if you wear contact lenses.
Refrain From Wearing Contacts
The safest strategy is not to wear contacts in the water. Prescription goggles are a viable and safer alternative if you need vision correction while swimming.
Use Goggles When Swimming
Be sure to use tightly sealed goggles if wearing contacts is unavoidable. It will protect your eyes from irritation caused by chlorine or saltwater. Also, consider wearing daily disposables with your waterproof goggles. Discard the lenses immediately after swimming to reduce the risk of infection.
Post-Swimming Care
If you’ve accidentally worn contacts while swimming, remove and dispose of them immediately afterward. Monitor your eyes for signs of irritation or infection, such as redness, pain or unusual discharge. If you experience prolonged discomfort, get a contact eye exam right away.
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