FDA Says Keep CLs Out of Water

Many college students are celebrating spring break by jumping into swimming pools and hot tubs. Contact lenses should not be worn for swimming, taking showers, in bath tubs,or in hot tubs. “We often hear patient questions about wanting to wear their contacts while in a pool or hot tub or even while in the shower. This is not a good idea and can significantly increase the safety risks of contact lens wear,” said corneal sFpecialist Ravi Shah, MD,Eyecare Medical Group, in Portland, ME.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recommended that contact lenses not be exposed to any form of water. Acanthamoeba keratitis, a sight-threatening eye complication, although rare, is caused by an organism in impure water (i.e., swimming pools, tap water, saunas, wells, and showers). “Acanthamoeba, and certain forms of bacteria present in water, can become attached to the contact lenses, possibly resulting in an infection,” said Dr. Shah.