Can You Put Contacts in Water? A Comprehensive Guide to Contact Lens Care and Water Avoidance

The simple answer to the question, “Can you put contacts in water?” is a resounding no. While it might seem harmless to rinse your contact lenses with tap water or wear them while swimming, doing so can have serious and potentially vision-threatening consequences. This comprehensive guide will delve into the reasons why water and contact lenses don’t mix, the risks involved, and what to do if your contacts come into contact with water. We’ll also cover proper contact lens care to ensure your eye health remains a priority.

Why Water and Contact Lenses Are a Dangerous Combination

The danger of mixing water and contact lenses stems primarily from the fact that water, particularly tap water, is not sterile. It’s teeming with microorganisms, some of which are harmful to the human eye. Here’s a breakdown of the key risks:

1. Acanthamoeba Keratitis (AK)

This is perhaps the most concerning risk. Acanthamoeba is a microscopic amoeba found in tap water, swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, and even soil. When these amoebae come into contact with a contact lens, they can adhere to its surface. From there, they can burrow into the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, causing a painful and debilitating infection called Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK). AK is notoriously difficult to treat and can lead to severe vision loss, corneal scarring, and even the need for a corneal transplant. Early symptoms of AK include:

• Severe eye pain that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter pain relievers
• Blurred vision
• Redness
• Excessive tearing
• Sensitivity to light

It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention from an ophthalmologist or optometrist if you suspect you might have AK. The diagnosis can be challenging, and treatment often involves prescription eye drops and, in some cases, surgical intervention.

2. Bacterial Infections

Various bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, can thrive in water and pose a threat to contact lens wearers. These bacteria can cause bacterial keratitis, a serious corneal infection that can also lead to vision loss. Symptoms of bacterial keratitis are similar to those of AK and include redness, pain, blurry vision, and light sensitivity. Early diagnosis and treatment with prescription antibiotics are essential to prevent complications.

3. Fungal Infections

Fungi can also be present in water and can cause fungal keratitis, a less common but still dangerous corneal infection. The symptoms of fungal keratitis are similar to other types of keratitis. Antifungal medications are required to treat the infection.

4. Changes in Lens Shape and Fit

Contact lenses are designed to maintain a specific shape and hydration level to fit properly on the eye. When exposed to water, especially non-saline water, the lenses can absorb the water, causing them to swell and change shape. This altered shape can make the lenses uncomfortable, cause blurry vision, and even increase the risk of corneal abrasions. This is due to a difference in the osmotic balance between the lens material, your tears, and the water source.

5. Lens Adherence and Discomfort

Water can cause the lenses to become sticky and adhere to the eye, making them difficult to remove. This can be painful and may require a visit to an eye care professional for safe removal. Additionally, water can wash away the lubricating tears, causing dryness and discomfort.

Specific Scenarios Where Water Contact is a Concern

It’s not just swimming that poses a risk; water exposure can occur in many everyday situations. Here are a few examples:

Showering

It’s tempting to wear your contact lenses in the shower, but doing so exposes them to tap water and the same risks discussed earlier. Even if you close your eyes tightly, it’s difficult to guarantee that water won’t get into your eyes. The steam from a shower can also cause your lenses to dry out and become uncomfortable.

Swimming

Whether it’s a chlorinated swimming pool, a lake, or the ocean, swimming with contacts is generally not advisable. All these water sources can harbor microorganisms that are harmful to your eyes. Additionally, the force of water while swimming can dislodge your lenses, leading to loss or damage.

Hot Tubs and Spas

Hot tubs and spas are particularly concerning as the warm water creates an ideal breeding ground for harmful bacteria and amoebae. The high temperatures also increase the risk of lens distortion.

Washing Your Face

When washing your face, be mindful of avoiding contact with your eyes. It’s best to remove your contact lenses before cleaning your face to minimize the risk of water and soap getting into your eyes and contaminating your lenses.

Rinsing Contact Lenses with Tap Water

Never use tap water to rinse your contact lenses. Only use sterile contact lens solution for cleaning and rinsing.

What to Do If Your Contacts Get Wet

Even with the best intentions, sometimes contact lenses can come into contact with water. Here’s what you should do:

1. Remove your contact lenses immediately. As soon as you realize your lenses have been exposed to water, remove them as soon as possible.
2. Do not reuse the lenses. If you are wearing disposable daily contact lenses, discard them immediately. If you wear reusable lenses, never put them back in your eyes without proper disinfection.
3. Clean and disinfect your lenses properly. If you wear reusable lenses, clean and disinfect them thoroughly using a multi-purpose contact lens solution that is appropriate for the type of lenses you wear. This involves rubbing the lenses gently between your thumb and index finger, rinsing them with solution, and storing them in a clean lens case filled with fresh solution. Avoid using water or any unapproved solutions.
4. Dispose of your lens case regularly. Replace your lens case every 1-3 months. Bacteria can grow in the case if it is not cleaned and replaced properly. Rinse the case with lens solution after every use and allow it to air dry, face down, with the caps off.
5. Observe for symptoms. Pay close attention to your eyes for any signs of infection, such as redness, pain, blurry vision, sensitivity to light, or excessive tearing.
6. Consult an eye care professional. If you experience any of these symptoms, or if you are concerned about potential infection, seek immediate attention from an ophthalmologist or optometrist.

Proper Contact Lens Care to Minimize Risk

The best way to avoid infections and other problems associated with contact lens wear is to follow proper hygiene practices. Here’s a comprehensive guide to contact lens care:

1. Always Wash Your Hands Thoroughly

Before handling your contact lenses, wash your hands with soap and water and dry them with a clean, lint-free towel. This is the single most important step in preventing infection. Avoid using lotions or heavily scented soaps before handling your contacts.

2. Use the Right Contact Lens Solution

Only use sterile contact lens solution that is recommended by your eye care professional. Never use tap water, saliva, or other unapproved solutions. These can contaminate your lenses and potentially harm your eyes. Be sure to use the correct type of solution for the type of contact lenses that you are wearing (e.g., soft contacts require different solutions than rigid gas permeable contacts). Contact lens solutions expire, so always check the expiration date prior to using them.

3. Rub and Rinse Your Lenses

When cleaning your reusable lenses, rub them gently between your thumb and index finger for about 20 seconds. Then rinse them thoroughly with contact lens solution before storing them in a case. Don’t just soak the lenses; mechanical cleaning is essential to remove debris and deposits.

4. Replace Your Lens Case Regularly

Bacteria can grow in your lens case. Replace it every 1-3 months and clean it after each use by rinsing it with fresh contact lens solution and letting it air dry face down. Never use water to rinse your lens case. Avoid leaving the case in a damp environment like a bathroom to prevent microbial growth.

5. Do Not “Top Off” Solution

Never reuse old contact lens solution. Always discard the old solution and use fresh solution when storing your contacts. Topping off solution can contaminate the solution and your lenses.

6. Follow Your Eye Doctor’s Instructions

Always follow your eye doctor’s instructions on how to wear and care for your lenses. This includes how long you can wear your lenses each day and when to dispose of them.

7. Consider Daily Disposable Lenses

If you have difficulty maintaining a rigorous cleaning routine, consider daily disposable contact lenses. These lenses are worn once and discarded, eliminating the need for cleaning and storage and reducing the risk of infection.

8. Have Regular Eye Exams

Schedule regular comprehensive eye exams with your optometrist or ophthalmologist to monitor the health of your eyes and make sure your contact lenses still fit properly and haven’t caused any complications.

9. Be Mindful of Cosmetics and Other Products

Avoid getting cosmetics, lotions, perfumes, or other products on your contact lenses as these can cause irritation and discomfort. It’s recommended to put your contact lenses in before you apply makeup and remove them before you remove makeup.

10. Avoid Sleeping in Your Contact Lenses

Unless your eye doctor specifically advises it, avoid sleeping in your contact lenses. Sleeping in contacts increases the risk of infection due to decreased oxygen flow to the cornea. If you need to nap or are unable to remove your contacts, be sure to remove them as soon as possible and clean them appropriately.

When to Seek Professional Help

Contact your eye care professional immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Redness in one or both eyes
• Eye pain or discomfort that doesn’t improve with rest
• Blurred vision
• Excessive tearing
• Sensitivity to light
• A sensation of something being stuck in your eye
• Eye discharge

These symptoms may indicate an infection or other serious eye problem that requires prompt medical attention.

Conclusion

In summary, water and contact lenses are a dangerous mix due to the risk of infection and potential damage to the lenses. Never expose your contact lenses to water, and always practice proper hygiene and lens care. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can protect your eyes and maintain clear and comfortable vision while wearing contact lenses. Remember, your eye health is paramount, and it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to contact lens care. If in doubt, consult your eye care professional.