. Ever wondered if your daily shower ritual could be putting your eye health at risk? It's a question many contact lens wearers don't consider until it's too late. A recent story highlighting an Instagram influencer's experience with vision loss after showering with contacts has brought the issue to the forefront.
The influencer contracted Acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare but devastating eye infection caused by an amoeba found in water and soil. Despite practicing what she thought was good contact lens hygiene, showering while wearing lenses exposed her to the organism, ultimately leading to a cornea transplant to restore her sight.
This incident raises serious concerns for the millions who rely on contact lenses for vision correction. While contacts offer convenience, they can also make your eyes more vulnerable to infections.
Why Water and Contacts Don't Mix
Water sources, including tap water, showers, and swimming pools, can harbor harmful microorganisms. While anyone can potentially get an eye infection from contaminated water, contact lens wearers face a higher risk.
Contact lenses can act like a sponge, absorbing water and trapping microorganisms against the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. This creates an ideal environment for infection to take hold. Furthermore, lenses disrupt the natural tear film, which normally protects the cornea, making it more susceptible to invasion.
Acanthamoeba keratitis is particularly concerning. This infection can cause severe pain, vision impairment, and even blindness if not treated promptly. Other potential infections include bacterial keratitis, often caused by Pseudomonas bacteria, and, in rare cases, fungal eye infections.
Several factors can increase the risk of infection while showering with contacts. Soft lenses, which absorb water more readily, may be riskier than rigid gas permeable lenses. Daily disposable lenses are generally considered safer than extended-wear lenses. The longer you wear lenses, especially in environments where you're exposed to water, the higher the risk. Poorly treated water supplies also pose a greater threat.
Beyond Showering: Other Risks Associated with Contact Lens Wear
Showering isn't the only potential hazard for contact lens wearers. Other common risks include:
- Microbial or Bacterial Keratitis: Infections of the cornea that can cause ulcers, scarring, and vision loss.
- Corneal Hypoxia: Reduced oxygen supply to the cornea, leading to swelling, discomfort, and increased infection risk, often from prolonged lens wear.
- Dry Eye Syndrome: Contact lenses can worsen dry eye, causing discomfort and potential damage.
These conditions can lead to lasting eye problems, and in severe cases, blindness if left untreated.
Protecting Your Eyes: Contact Lens Safety Tips
Contact lenses are generally safe and effective when used correctly. To minimize your risk of eye infections and other complications, follow these essential guidelines:
- Avoid showering, swimming, or hot tubs with contacts in.
- Never sleep in your contact lenses unless specifically prescribed by your eye doctor.
- Never clean your contacts with tap water. Use only sterile contact lens solution.
- Don't reuse cleaning solution. Always discard used solution and refill the case with fresh solution.
- Replace your lenses as directed by your eye doctor, whether they are daily, weekly, or monthly disposables.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your lenses.
- Follow the instructions provided by your doctor, contact lens manufacturer, and solution manufacturer for proper cleaning and storage.
- If you store your lenses for extended periods, re-disinfect them before wearing.
- Attend regular eye exams to ensure proper lens fit and prescription.
- If you experience any redness, pain, blurry vision, or other unusual symptoms, remove your lenses and contact your eye doctor immediately.
Taking a few extra precautions can significantly reduce your risk of developing eye infections and maintain healthy vision. Consider keeping a pair of prescription glasses in the bathroom for showering or using daily disposable lenses that you can discard after showering. Shower goggles are also an option. Your eye health is worth the effort.