Table of contents:
- The reason why swimming with contact lenses is dangerous
- 1. There are still bacteria and pathogens
- 2. Prone to keratitis
- 3. Pseudomonas infection
- If forced to swim using contact lenses, this must be done
- 1. Keep wearing swimming goggles
- 2. Keep eyes dry
- 3. Change contact lenses immediately
Not a few people are lazy to remove their contact lenses when going swimming. Even still using contact lenses while swimming. However, is it safe to swim with contact lenses? Will this cause eye irritation?
The reason why swimming with contact lenses is dangerous
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), United States, or the equivalent of the POM in Indonesia, wearing contact lenses while swimming can actually be dangerous for your eyes. From mild, such as infection to blindness, can occur if you are determined to wear soft lenses while swimming.
An optimist from the University of Utah Health, Timothy Gibbons, believes that the infection and eye problems can occur for several reasons.
1. There are still bacteria and pathogens
Even if you are swimming in clean water or a pool that contains chlorine, there are bacteria and pathogens that chlorine cannot kill. Well, this is the main reason why you shouldn't wear contact lenses while swimming.
In addition, contact lenses worn in water will feel firmer and can cause irritation.
2. Prone to keratitis
One of the bacteria that can harm your eyes is Acanthamoeba. These bacteria live in water such as lakes, seas, and even tap water. Also, it can infect your cornea when it is attached to contact lenses. This condition can lead to blindness which requires a corneal donor to resolve it.
3. Pseudomonas infection
In addition to keratitis from acanthamoeba bacteria, swimming with contact lenses can also cause blindness caused by pseudomonas pathogens. Usually, this type of pathogen lives in soil, water and plants. Because pseudomonas attaches more easily to your contact lenses, it is highly recommended not to wear them when swimming.
If forced to swim using contact lenses, this must be done
If you forget to bring the contact lens holder, or there are other reasons that make it impossible for you to remove it while swimming, then you can do some of these tips to keep your eyes safe.
1. Keep wearing swimming goggles
Apart from protecting your eyes while swimming, of course even in the cleanest swimming pools there are bacteria and germs still hanging around. So, to prevent eye infections when using contact lenses, try to use swimming goggles. Often times people get eye infections because they open their eyes while swimming in water.
This is of course very dangerous, especially for those of you who still insist on wearing contact lenses in water. Choose swimming goggles that are far enough apart from the two lenses and make sure they are the right size so that no water gets in.
2. Keep eyes dry
If you don't wear goggles, choose swimming moves that don't require you to dive, such as the backstroke. Don't forget to always close your eyes to avoid getting water, either when you get out of the pool or take a shower.
3. Change contact lenses immediately
Swimming with contact lenses does have some risks that are harmful to the eye. Therefore, when you get out of the pool, change your contact lenses immediately. If you are using a type of contact lens that can be used multiple times, make sure to wash it right away.
Although there are several safe ways to keep swimming with contact lenses, of course you should avoid this. If your eyes feel itchy and swollen after these activities, try to consult a doctor for further treatment.
