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Optometrist issues strict warning for contact lens wearers this summer
As the summer holiday season arrives, an optometrist has shared a warning for contact lens wearers who are heading on vacation.
Contact lenses offer safe and effective vision correction to�more than 140 million people worldwide, but they’re not suitable for some activities.
Warning for contact lens wearers
Malcolm Maciver, an optometrist at Leightons Opticians, warned that soft contact lens wearers should “take extra precautions” when swimming in pools and large bodies of water this summer.
“Wearing contact lenses while swimming can increase the risk of eye infections, as microorganisms in the water can adhere to the lenses, potentially leading to conditions such as Acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare, vision-threatening cornea infection,” he explained.
“Whilst these types of waterborne infections are rare, its best not to wear contact contact lenses at all when swimming. Prescription swim goggles are a more suitable and preventative option.”
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Acanthamoeba keratitis is�a rare but serious eye infection that can result in permanent visual impairment or blindness, the Center for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) explains.
It occurs when a microorganism called Acanthamoeba infects the cornea, which is the transparent outer covering of the eye. Acanthamoeba�are often found in bodies of water such as lakes and oceans, as well as the soil and air.
Anyone can get Acanthamoeba keratitis, but it is most common in people who wear contact lenses as they reduce the cornea’s defense against bacteria, a report in the ScienceDirect journal explains. The organism can also stick to contact lens surfaces more easily.
Taking contact lenses out before any activity involving water will reduce your risk. You should also always store and handle lenses properly, including washing your hands with soap and water before touching them and cleaning as per the instructions.
Symptoms of the eye infection
Acanthamoeba�keratitis can be difficult to spot as the symptoms are very similar to other eye infections, including:
- Eye pain
- Eye redness
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Feeling like something is in your the
- Excessive tears
If you have recently been in the water and have any of the above symptoms, you should consult your eye doctor. When left untreated, Acanthamoeba�keratitis will eventually cause severe pain and possible vision loss or blindness.
Malcolm Maciver is an optometrist at�Leightons Opticians, which has 35 branches across the UK. He specialises in binocular vision abnormalities and the management of ocular surface disease and is also a Senior Lecturer in Optometry at the University of Portsmouth.
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