Why shouldn't you wear contact lenses while bathing?

Water can cause your contact lenses to swell or change shape, causing damage to your eyes. Graphics: Thien Nhan

Risk of infection (Acanthamoeba keratitis)

According to Dr. Tamhankar, of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in India, water can carry microorganisms such as acanthamoeba, a parasite that can cause serious eye infections. When contact lenses come into contact with water, they can trap these microorganisms in the eye, increasing the risk of infection, which can lead to vision loss or even blindness in severe cases. This infection is rare but very painful and difficult to treat, often requiring long-term medication or surgery.

Lens contamination

Water can cause your contact lenses to swell or change shape, making them difficult to wear and damaging your cornea. Additionally, contaminants in the water can adhere to your contact lenses, causing irritation, infection, or even an allergic reaction. Contaminated contact lenses can become a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to conditions like conjunctivitis or other bacterial infections.

Uncomfortable and dry

“Exposure to water can wash away the eye’s natural tear film, leading to dryness and discomfort,” says Dr. Tamhankar. “This can make your contact lenses feel sticky or difficult to remove, increasing the risk of corneal abrasions.”

Corneal ulcer

Constant exposure to harmful bacteria in water while wearing contact lenses can lead to corneal ulcers. Corneal ulcers are painful and can seriously affect vision if not treated promptly. They are a direct result of harmful bacteria entering the cornea, often due to poor contact lens hygiene and exposure to water.

Precautions

To maintain eye health and prevent these serious complications, Dr. Tamhankar recommends the following precautions:

- Always remove contact lenses before sleeping, bathing or swimming. Avoid contact with water to reduce the risk of infection.

- Use disposable contact lenses if you expect to be exposed to water frequently. This helps reduce the risk of contamination.

In case water accidentally gets into your eyes while wearing contact lenses, clean and disinfect them thoroughly or replace them with new lenses. Prompt action can prevent the risk of eye injury.

Source: https://laodong.vn/suc-khoe/tai-sao-khong-nen-deo-kinh-ap-trong-khi-tam-1393855.ldo