This is why you should Never Store your Contact Lenses in Water

The first thing that hits your mind for storing contact lenses in absence of the contact lens solution is water. If you also resort to water; STOP! Stop immediately, as contact lenses should never be exposed to water- not even to the tiny droplet! Water carries a rare but horrific parasite “Acanthamoeba Keratitis” that actually feeds on corneal tissues. We advise you to rely on homemade Saline solution for soaking contact lenses instead, when your regular disinfectant is not readily available.  "That space between the eye and the contact lens is a place that this little amoeba really likes to live," says Dr. Andy Howard at LaFollette Eye Clinic.             

Doctors warns against Acanthamoeba that runs in water. They suggests to never shower, swim or wash face when wearing contact lenses. It is not only the pools that carry the risk but tap water too. The parasite devours cornea way too quickly than you might even think- sometimes it takes even less than 24 hours. Unfortunately, there is no over the counter treatment but removing the eyeball in most of the cases.

When you wash or soak your contact lenses in tap water, acanthamoeba from water can cling to your soft contact lenses that may then transfer to your eyes. In seconds, the parasite gets activated to feed on the tissues. The damage is often fatal leading to complete blindness. The symptoms of Acanthamoeba attacks are:

1. Extreme stinging burning sensation
2. Light Sensitivity
3. White spots on the surface of eye
4. Horrific inflammation & redness

According to the Howard; they see about one acanthamoeba keratitis infection every year. This is most common in people who disregard doctors’ suggestions and neglect taking care of their contact lenses. He encourages patients to talk their doctors about the best contact lens solution & contact lens care instructions. He stressed enough on never washing your contact lens cases with water.

Contact lenses are excellent vision correction devices and more than 30 million people are being benefitted. If you are really concerned about your vision; it is only your attitude towards contact lenses you need to improve. Look how people are creating exciting makeup looks using colored contacts whilst staying safe!

Contact Lens Wearers at Risk of Infections due to Unhygienic Practices

A recent warning released by eye experts reminds contact lens users to stay vigilant about proper care of contact lenses. Doctors reveal that there have been an increased number of patients in past months that are affected by infections occurred by improper use of contact lenses.

Infections Contact Lens Wearers are at Risk Of:

Acanthamoeba Keratitis

Acanthamoeba Keratitis is a microorganism carried by water. When users wearing contact lenses carelessly use water whilst wearing lenses; they get affected by the infection. This microorganism is corneal devouring bacteria & in gross cases it may lead to complete visual impairment. Eye experts advise to completely avoid water-related activities before handling contact lenses. Do not wash face, do not visit beach & do not take baths when wearing circle lenses.

Conjunctivitis

It is the inflammation of conjunctiva- the white layer of the eye. Contact lens wearers spread conjunctivitis when they share, swap or exchange contact lenses among fellow wearers. It is diagnosed by teary eyes, pink eyes, itching, irritation & discharge. When contact lenses are contaminated with bacteria, they should be immediately thrown away and or replaced. Avoid wearing circle lenses when suffering from infection to prevent spreading the disease.

Doctors opine that patients should keep an eye over how their eyes are working with contact lenses. In case of any unusual symptoms such as inflammation or excessive discharge from eyes; rush to your eye doctor than creating panic. To stay on the safe side, never top off contact lens solution but always toss it off and refill the chambers after each wear.

Contact lenses need meticulous care as they are prosthetic medical devices. Provided what you get for your eyes are FDA approved lenses there are rarely any chances for you to get affected by contagious ocular diseases. 

How common are Acanthamoeba Related Ocular Injuries in Contact Lens Wearers?

Acathamoeba is a corneal devouring parasite found in water. Though acanthamoeba related ocular infections in contact lens wearersare rare, the treatment of the disease is difficult as it takes a period of 27 days in confirmed diagnosis with 33% of patients requiring a corneal transplant.

Acathamoeba leads to potential damages from severe eye pain, redness and itching, stinging, discharge & even to permanent vision loss. Acanthamoeba is associated to poor and unhygienic living standards and is closely related to the exposure of contact lenses with water.

Acanthamoeba Keratitis & Disinfecting Solutions for Contact Lenses

Though the parasite leads to tremendously horrific results; it can be prevented if proper cleanliness & disinfection of contact lenses is observed. It is important to note that not all disinfectants work the same way. A multi-purpose disinfectant with cleanse, rub & disinfecting formula is effective in completely killing off the parasite.

Preventing Acanthamoeba Related Ocular Injuries in Wearers of Contact Lenses

Few key points help in complete prevention from the parasite.

1. Never expose your contact lenses to water hence observe restriction in swimming, showering, washing face & other water-based activities whilst wearing contact lenses.
2. Do not soak or wash your contact lenses with tap water
3. Wear daily disposable contact lenses if you are clumsy to strictly follow the maintenance of contact lenses
4. Replace your annual contact lenses after every 8 months whereas replacement of contact lens cases should be made every 3 months.
5. Air-dry contact lens cases with their faces down and caps off after washing them. Stay very careful about re-immersing contact lenses in their cases whilst they are still wet.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology in conjunction with USFDA is soon to hold a seminar on “Contact Lens Microbiology” where the speakers will discuss the ways of prevention from acanthamoeba related ocular infections & damages in contact lens wearers. Watch this place for more updates & recent technological advancements & treatments on the issue.