Myth: You can swim and go to the sauna wearing contact lenses
Contact lenses are thin optical discs that are placed directly on the cornea of the eye to correct vision. They provide an alternative to glasses and allow people to experience freedom of movement without the restrictions associated with wearing glasses. Contact lenses work in the same way as glasses, redirecting light into the eye and focusing it on the retina, resulting in clear, crisp vision.
One of the main advantages of contact lenses is that they are invisible. Unlike glasses, which can be heavy or uncomfortable, lenses are virtually invisible to others. This makes them especially popular among those who want to maintain their natural appearance.
However, the use of contact lenses requires strict adherence to hygiene and care rules. Users should remove their lenses every evening to rest their eyes and prevent irritation.
It is also important to properly store your lenses in a special solution to prevent contamination and infection. There are several types of contact lenses, including soft and hard lenses. Soft lenses are made of flexible plastic and provide comfortable wearing, especially for those with sensitive eyes.
Hard lenses, or gas permeable lenses, allow the eyes to breathe and may be more suitable for some people with special vision needs.
It must be emphasized that before using contact lenses, you should consult with an optician or ophthalmologist to determine the appropriate type and size of lenses, as well as instructions for proper care and use.
In some public places, such as saunas, steam rooms, or swimming pools, it may be inconvenient to remove and reinsert contact lenses. However, their use in such places is also not recommended.
The reason is that water, including in a pool or open pond, may contain various microorganisms. For example, water may contain acanthamoebas, single-celled organisms that often cause keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea of the eye, especially in people who use contact lenses. This can lead to serious vision problems, including vision loss. Soft contact lenses have a porous structure, which allows germs to penetrate the lenses and accumulate around the eye.
Therefore, it is recommended to avoid wearing contact lenses when visiting public places where water may contain potentially dangerous microorganisms. Instead, consider wearing glasses or disposable lenses to keep your eyes safe and healthy.
Moreover, chlorinated pool water can get under contact lenses, and prolonged exposure to the cornea of the eye can lead to a chemical burn. Also, when in contact with fresh water, the lens may change its shape, which can cause eye irritation.
Swimming with contact lenses increases the risk of various problems such as infections, corneal damage, dry eye syndrome and inflammation. Because tap water can also contain microorganisms, including some that are harmful to the eyes, it is recommended that you remove your contact lenses before taking a shower or bath, rather than after.
If your vision is too poor, you can use disposable contact lenses for swimming in the pool, but you should wear tight-fitting swimming goggles to keep water out of your eyes. After swimming, lenses should be immediately removed and replaced with new ones, and moisturizing drops should be used before and after swimming.
If you prefer reusable lenses, they should be disinfected within 24 hours after swimming. Although this method does not guarantee complete safety when swimming in the pool with contact lenses, it at least reduces the risks. Visiting a bathhouse or sauna wearing contact lenses can pose a risk to eye health. Firstly, there is a possibility of eye contact with tap water, as when swimming.
Secondly, due to the high temperature in a bath or sauna, contact lenses can dry out and become damaged, which can lead to irritation or damage to the eye.
Instead of contact lenses, it is better to use regular glasses in a bath or sauna.
If you do decide to use lenses, you should immediately remove them after visiting a bath or sauna, as they may become unsuitable for further use. It is also recommended to stay away from heat, blink frequently, and use moisturizing drops before and after your visit.
To sum up, if you swim or wash while wearing contact lenses, pathogenic bacteria can enter the cornea of the eye with the water. When visiting a swimming pool, sauna or bathhouse, it is recommended to remove your lenses and, if necessary, wear regular glasses.
Another option is to use contact lenses in combination with close-fitting swim goggles. However, this does not provide complete eye protection, but only reduces the risks.
