Do you wear contacts? Did you know that aside from the allergy concerns with contact lenses, the next big risk is exposure to water? Contact lenses are not supposed to be worn when swimming, showering, or when in a pool or hot tub.
But why? During the day a contact lens shrinks and this causes micro breaks in the cornea opening the eye up to infection. Keep in mind, contacts are like sponges... that means they catch and soak up allergens, bacteria, and yes, even parasites from these environments.
To limit your risk, if you do wear contact lenses in these environments, never sleep in them (not even a nap), use a perioxide based cleaning solution, and consider daily disposable contact lenses. Daily lenses are by far the most hygienic form of lenses one can wear.
As always, If you think you have an infection, get seen sooner vs. later. Time is the most important factor to maintaining eye health.
And as you head out to that pool, lake or beach - be sure you're ready.
Allendale Family Vision is here for you and your family. Give them a call today to book your appointments! 616-895-2020 - Dr Lillie and the Allendale Family Vision staff are active members of the community and committed to providing state of the art vision care to their patients.
