Contact Lens Care
According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), showering with contact lenses is not recommended. Although rare, a sight-threatening eye complication called acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) can occur. This disease is caused by a microscopic organism commonly found in water sources, such as tap water, wells, hot tubs and sewage systems. If these tiny parasites infect the eye, the results can be severe. According to the CDC, about 90 percent of AK cases involve contact lens wearers. If you do wear your lenses while showering or at the pool, the FDA recommends keeping your eyes firmly closed while in the water. If your eyes are accidentally exposed to water, remove the lens with clean, dry hands and disinfect or discard it. Remember to never sleep in lenses that have been exposed to water without first cleaning and disinfecting them.
Contact Lens Safety, "Contact Lens Wear in Various Environments" Mayo Clinic, "Specialized contact lenses" CDC, "Healthy Contact Lens Wear and Care: Fast Facts" Image courtesy of Vladimir Sazonov | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Vvoevale | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Krugloff | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Roman Werni | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Johanna Goodyear | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Andreblais | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Richwai777 | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Mark Fairey | Dreamstime.com