Contact lenses are an everyday essential for millions of people, providing freedom from glasses and enhancing vision with convenience. However, they also come with specific care guidelines, including some critical “don’ts”—one of the biggest being don’t wear them in water. Unfortunately, ignoring this advice has led to tragic consequences for some, including one recent case that serves as a powerful reminder.
A recent story in the Daily Mail reports that a young Texas woman named Brooklyn McCasland was left blind in one eye after a swim with her contact lenses in. Her experience highlights the significant risks associated with wearing contacts in water and the need for careful, consistent contact lens care. Here, we’ll look at the hidden dangers of swimming with contact lenses and how to protect your eyes.
A Cautionary Tale: Brooklyn McCasland’s Story
In August, McCasland, a 23-year-old barista, went for a swim with friends during a trip to Alabama. Soon after, she began experiencing “the worst pain she’d ever felt” in her right eye. Initially, doctors thought she had a minor irritation, possibly sand in her eye, and treated her with antibiotics and eye drops for a common infection. But the pain only worsened.
After further tests, doctors identified the true cause of her severe pain: an infection caused by Acanthamoeba, a parasite commonly found in water. Tragically, this parasite had infiltrated her eye and left her permanently blind in her right eye. McCasland’s story is a powerful reminder of the dangers associated with swimming with contact lenses, as it highlights the importance of taking lens care seriously and following recommended guidelines for lens use.
Why Swimming with Contacts Is Dangerous
Contact lenses are made from materials designed to be breathable and comfortable for daily wear. However, these materials can also act as magnets for microorganisms when exposed to water, allowing bacteria and parasites—like Acanthamoeba—to attach to the lenses and potentially enter the eye.
Here are some of the dangers associated with wearing contact lenses in water:
Risk of Infection: Freshwater, chlorinated pools, hot tubs, and even tap water can harbor harmful bacteria and microorganisms. When contacts are exposed to water, they can absorb and trap these pathogens against the eye, leading to infections that can cause severe pain and even permanent damage.
Acanthamoeba Keratitis: Acanthamoeba is a parasite that can cause a rare but devastating infection called Acanthamoeba keratitis. This infection can lead to vision loss or blindness, as in McCasland’s case. The infection is challenging to treat and often results in long-lasting damage to the cornea.
Contact Lens Contamination: Even without causing immediate infection, exposing lenses to water (whether in a swimming pool, hot tub, or shower) can lead to contamination. These microbes can stay on the lens, potentially causing infections later if not disposed of or cleaned thoroughly.
Essential Tips for Safe Contact Lens Use
McCasland’s story highlights how important it is to follow the guidelines for contact lens care diligently. Here are essential steps every contact lens wearer should follow to avoid the risks associated with water exposure:
1. Avoid Swimming or Showering with Contact Lenses
Contact lenses are not designed to withstand exposure to water, and wearing them while swimming or in the shower creates a significant risk of contamination. To reduce the risk of infection, always remove lenses before entering water.
2. Use Daily Disposable Lenses if Possible
If you’re a regular swimmer, daily disposable lenses are a safer option because they are discarded after each use, minimizing the risk of contamination. These lenses allow you to enjoy water activities without worrying about cleaning or reusing them, reducing the likelihood of infection.
3. Always Follow Instructions for Cleaning and Storing Lenses
Proper lens hygiene is crucial. For reusable lenses, ensure they are cleaned with a sterile, approved lens solution and stored properly in a clean case. Never rinse lenses with tap water, as it can contain bacteria that can adhere to lenses and cause infections.
4. Stay Organized and Consistent with Lens Replacement
Keeping track of when to replace your contacts can help you avoid overuse, which can make lenses more vulnerable to contaminants. Set reminders or use a digital app to stay organized with your lens replacement schedule, ensuring you always have fresh, clean lenses.
5. Don’t Wear Contacts Beyond Their Recommended Time
Avoid wearing lenses longer than recommended by your eye care professional or the manufacturer. Overused lenses can build up deposits and bacteria that increase the risk of infection.
How to Safely Enjoy Water Activities with Corrected Vision
If you’re wondering how to manage swimming or other water activities without contact lenses, here are a few safer alternatives:
Prescription Goggles: These provide clear vision underwater without the risks associated with contacts. Many swimwear brands offer prescription goggles, allowing you to see clearly and safely.
LASIK Surgery: For those who swim frequently and would like a permanent solution, LASIK eye surgery may be a viable option to eliminate the need for contacts altogether.
Corrective Lenses or Masks for Diving: Specialty stores offer masks with corrective lenses built in, which are ideal for those who enjoy snorkeling or scuba diving.
Final Thoughts
The risks associated with wearing contact lenses in water are real, as Brooklyn McCasland’s story reminds us. Her experience serves as a powerful cautionary tale and underscores the importance of following safety guidelines, practicing good lens hygiene, and avoiding water exposure when wearing lenses.
For contact lens wearers, staying organized with your lenses is an essential step in adhering to hygiene guidelines and replacing lenses on time. That’s where a tool like the OptoOrg DailyLens organizer can make a big difference. Designed to keep your lenses and supplies neatly stored in your home, bathroom, or bedroom, the DailyLens organizer helps you easily track your lenses, maintain a clean storage area, and streamline your daily routine. This way, you can avoid accidental exposure to water, stay on top of your replacement schedule, and keep your lens solution and cases sanitized.
If you or someone you know wears contact lenses regularly, adopting an organized approach with tools like OptoOrg’s DailyLens can help you stay safe and enjoy the benefits of contacts with peace of mind.
Opmerkingen