The combination of contact lenses and ocean water presents significant health hazards for anyone needing vision correction while surfing. Eye care professionals strongly advise against wearing contact lenses during any water activity, including surfing, due to the high probability of infection and physical complications. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) specifically cautions against exposing contact lenses to any form of water. Ignoring this guidance can lead to painful, sight-threatening conditions, making the convenience of wearing contacts far outweighed by the risks involved.
Why Ocean Water and Contacts Don’t Mix
The immediate physical interaction between a soft contact lens and saltwater creates several mechanical and chemical problems. Saltwater is hypertonic, meaning it has a higher salt concentration than the natural tear film of the eye. When a contact lens absorbs this saline water, its material can deform. This deformation can cause the lens to either tighten uncomfortably on the cornea or loosen and easily dislodge.
Beyond the chemical effects, the dynamic environment of the surf zone introduces particulate matter directly to the eye. Sand, silt, and other debris suspended in the water can become trapped between the lens and the delicate corneal surface. The constant friction from these particles can result in a corneal abrasion, which is essentially a scratch on the eye’s outer layer. This abrasion causes significant pain and irritation and creates a direct entry point for infectious organisms. The contact lens then acts as a perfect shield, trapping these contaminants directly against the compromised tissue of the cornea.
Specific Infection Risks
The most significant danger of wearing contacts while surfing is the introduction of waterborne pathogens that can lead to severe eye infections. Ocean water contains a variety of microscopic organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and a particularly dangerous parasite called Acanthamoeba. This organism is ubiquitous in natural water sources and is highly resistant to many disinfectants.
Exposure to water containing this parasite can result in a rare but devastating condition known as Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK). The amoeba adheres to the surface of the contact lens, which is held directly against the cornea, creating an ideal environment for the parasite to thrive. AK is characterized by extreme pain, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. Untreated or advanced cases of this parasitic infection can lead to permanent vision loss.
The risk is further compounded by common bacterial keratitis, which is an infection of the cornea caused by various bacteria found in contaminated water. Since the lens absorbs water and traps microbes, it increases the likelihood of a bacterial colony forming and causing an infection. Even a brief splash of water on the lens can introduce enough microorganisms to start a serious infectious process.
Alternatives for Clear Vision on the Water
For surfers who require vision correction, several alternatives offer a safer way to maintain visual clarity on the water.
- Prescription surf goggles or a dive mask with corrective lenses. These specialized pieces of equipment provide an airtight seal that prevents water, sand, and irritants from reaching the eye, eliminating the infection risk.
- Prescription sunglasses designed for water sports. These often feature polarized lenses for glare reduction and include a secure retaining strap to prevent loss.
- Single-use daily disposable lenses. This approach minimizes the time contaminants are held against the eye, but they must be discarded immediately upon leaving the water.
- Long-term vision correction procedures, such as LASIK or PRK surgery, offer a permanent solution for clear vision without the need for lenses in any environment.