In Belgium, a woman contracted an eye infection after showering with contact lenses. She had to have that eye removed and is now partially blind. But what are the things to avoid when wearing lenses? Why Doctor takes stock.
It is a seemingly innocuous gesture that can turn out to be very dangerous: taking a shower with contact lenses. In Belgium, a 56-year-old woman experienced it, her story is told by Radio 2 Antwerpen. But showers are not the only things to avoid, swimming in a swimming pool or the use of contact lenses with dirty hands are to be avoided.
A bacterium present in non-sterile water
Petra Van Kalmthout felt severe itching and burning after taking a shower. “Water seeped between my eye and under my contact lens. It contained a parasite, harmless unless it reached the eyes,” she told Flemish radio. The parasite in question is called acathamoeba and can be found in non-sterile fresh water such as shower water, swimming pool water or mineral water. In the case of Petra Van Kalmthout, after she lost her sight, doctors tried to do a corneal transplant, but it didn’t work. Today, she lives with a prosthesis and has not regained the use of her eye.
Avoid fresh water baths
On its site, the French Society of Ophthalmology warns contact lens wearers. These should never be rinsed or stored in water not intended for this purpose. You should also not swim in rivers, pools, lakes, etc. All these fresh waters can carry germs that could end up between the eye and the lens, and eventually contaminate the cornea. The sea naturally contains less bacteria, but it is also recommended to avoid bathing with lentils. Sand can also carry germs and cause irritation.
Have impeccable hygiene
Bathing, showers and other baths are not the only things to avoid when wearing contact lenses. Whether monthly, weekly, annual or rigid lenses, the advice of ophthalmologists and opticians must be scrupulously respected. If one of the lenses is damaged, it should be discarded immediately. If the eye is red or painful, do not keep or put a lens. Before washing or putting them on, it is essential to wash your hands well to avoid contaminating them. Once the case is empty, it must be left to dry open, this prevents the proliferation of microbes. At the slightest discomfort or redness, remove your lenses and consult a doctor as soon as possible.
.