When speaking with contact lens wearers, we often find that some people keep them in almost all the time. While this may be convenient, Dr. Chan says that there are 3 things you should not do with your contact lenses in: Sleep, Shower, Swim.
Sleeping with your contact lenses in significantly increases the risk of eye infections and other complications.
- Your cornea needs oxygen to remain healthy. When your eyes are closed during sleep, even less oxygen reaches the cornea. Lack of oxygen can cause corneal swelling, discomfort, and long-term damage. In addition, you will be at risk for corneal ulcers which can cause scarring and/or vision loss.
- Sleeping in lenses increases the risk of bacterial, fungal, or amoebic infections—some of which can lead to permanent vision loss. Microbial keratitis is up to 8 times more common in people who sleep in their contacts.
- Sleeping with your contact lenses in can cause irritated, red or painful eyes and blurry vision.
Unless instructed by your Optometrist, always remove your contact lenses prior to sleeping.
Showering with your contact lenses is the second “do not” related to contact lenses. The shower uses tap water, which is not sterile. Showering with them in can cause the following complications:
- Tap water can contain bacteria, fungi and parasites. The most dangerous is Acanthamoeba, a microscopic organism found in water that can cause a severe, painful eye infection called Acanthamoeba keratitis—which is difficult to treat and can result in permanent vision loss or require a corneal transplant.
- Contact lenses can trap these microscopic organisms against your eye and they can multiply, increasing your risk of infection.
- Personal hygiene products, such as shampoo, soap and body wash can cause your lenses to change shape. This can cause discomfort, blurred vision, or even worse – scratches to the cornea.
Always remove your contact lenses prior to showering!
Swimming is like showing with your contact lenses in – but even worse. Pools, lakes, oceans, and hot tubs all contain bacteria, viruses, and parasites—even when they look clean. All the potential complications of showing with them in apply here. In addition, chlorine doesn’t eliminate all bacteria in pools and hot tubs, contrary to popular belief. Finally, if you open your eyes in the water, you run the risk of losing your lenses. Be safe – don’t do it! Take them out prior to swimming.
If you are a new contact wearer, or starting to wear them again after a break, it is worth the investment to meet with an Optometrist to get proper instruction on healthy lens hygiene. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.
Why wait? Book an appointment online at 👉 sightcareoptometry.com
Have questions about your vision or symptoms you’re experiencing? Don’t guess—ask a professional. We’re happy to help.Note: This posting is for informational purposes only and does not attempt to diagnose or recommend treatment for any condition. Please refer to the Ontario Association Optometrists website (https://optom.on.ca/eye-health-library) for more information or consult an Optometrist if you are experiencing eyesight issues.
