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Can I please alert you all to the dangers of swimming with contact lenses in.

79 replies

chipmonkey · 12/09/2012 12:26

this lady has lost the sight in one eye after swimming with her contact lenses in.
Acanthamoeba is found in tap water/pool water/shower water and is not killed by chlorine. It's a rare infection but very painful and sight-threatening.
I warn all my contact lens patients about this but I know some are still very blase about it.
So best not to rinse lenses with tap water, swim or shower with them in.

OP posts:
PrideOfChanur · 14/09/2012 07:31

Re:the swimming in glasses I swim in an old pair,my current set which I've been using for about 10 years is fine condition-wise,but noticably out of date (fashion,not vision!)
I do "proper" swimming - I've never been swimming and not got my hair wet (crawl,and proper breaststroke)
I don't like goggles,not keen on how they feel on.

Shallishanti · 15/09/2012 19:20

one last question....what about washing the contact lens case?
is it ok to use tap water if you then air dry? if not, what should you use?

MirandaWest · 15/09/2012 19:33

I have ordered some of the goggles mentioned further up the thread - will report back on what they're like. Only went up to -9 but better than (a) nothing or (b) damaged eyes and as DS says I will be able to go underwater (lucky me).

Shallishanti I think you're meant to use either saline solution or some of your contact lens solution to rinse the case with.

WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes · 15/09/2012 19:48

I ordered some in -9 and -10 (I am actually -10.75 but will have to do). Shalli - I use contact lens solution to wash my case, air dry and replace it every couple of months (I only use it once or twice a week).

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