Contact lenses offer a convenient alternative to eyeglasses for vision correction. Proper care and maintenance are important for maintaining eye health and comfort, helping prevent potential complications.
Dangers of Using Water
Using water, including tap, distilled, or bottled water, with contact lenses is unsuitable because water is not sterile. It can contain various microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and dangerous amoebae such as Acanthamoeba. These pathogens can adhere to the lens surface and introduce infection.
Beyond microbial contamination, water’s properties pose a physical risk. Water is hypotonic, meaning it has a lower salt concentration than the eye’s natural tears. When lenses are exposed to water, they absorb it, causing them to swell, change shape, and potentially stick tightly to the eye. This alteration can lead to discomfort, blurred vision, and microscopic abrasions on the cornea, making the eye more vulnerable to infection. Moreover, water lacks the disinfecting agents and lubricants found in proper contact lens solutions.
Serious Eye Complications
Exposure to water can lead to severe eye complications, including various forms of keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea. Acanthamoeba keratitis is a serious parasitic infection caused by amoebae found in water sources. This infection can cause intense eye pain, redness, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and a sensation of something in the eye. If left untreated, Acanthamoeba keratitis can result in permanent vision loss or necessitate a corneal transplant.
Bacterial keratitis is another common and potentially sight-threatening infection linked to improper lens care. Bacteria are frequent culprits, causing symptoms like pain, redness, discharge, and decreased vision. Fungal infections can also occur when lenses come into contact with contaminated water. These infections present with similar symptoms and can be challenging to treat, potentially leading to vision loss if not addressed promptly.
All these infections can progress to corneal ulcers, which are open sores on the cornea. Corneal ulcers are painful, can cause significant scarring, and may permanently impair vision or require surgical intervention.
Emergency Solutions
If you are without contact lens solution in an emergency, immediately remove your contact lenses. If there is any doubt about their cleanliness or water exposure, discard them. Never use water or saliva as a substitute for contact lens solution. These alternatives do not provide disinfection and introduce significant risks of severe eye infections.
As a last resort, a sterile saline solution might be used temporarily to rinse lenses or keep them hydrated. However, saline does not disinfect or kill harmful microorganisms. After using saline or any temporary measure, clean and disinfect the lenses thoroughly with proper contact lens solution as soon as possible before reinserting them. Always consult an eye care professional if you experience any discomfort or signs of infection after such an incident.
Recommended Lens Care Practices
To maintain optimal eye health, follow best practices for routine contact lens care. Always use fresh, commercially prepared contact lens solution recommended by an eye care professional. Never reuse old solution or “top off” the solution in your lens case, as this reduces its effectiveness and promotes microbial growth.
Most solutions require a “rub and rinse” method: gently rub lenses with clean fingers, then rinse before soaking. Regularly replace your contact lens case every three months, as cases can accumulate bacteria. Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling your lenses. Adhere to the wearing and replacement schedule prescribed by your eye doctor, as overwearing lenses increases the risk of complications. Avoid exposing lenses to any type of water, including while swimming or showering, to minimize the risk of serious infections.